Mabel Cotner (age 95)

ROCKFORD, TN – Mabel Pauline Gillespie Cotner of Rockford passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, peacefully at home. She was born April 16, 1925, to the parents of Walter and Viola Henry Gillespie.  She grew up in the Rockford community and was educated in Blount County School System.

Mabel was a member in grand standings at Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church, Rockford from the cradle roster, currently under the leadership of Rev. Kamau Kenyatta. Mabel held several offices at Mt. Pleasant but her favorite sense of duty was singing in the choir.

Mabel is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Gillespie and Viola Henry Gillespie; husband, Joseph Franklin Cotner; sisters, Ruby Harris, Roma Tate, Mildred Wallace; brothers, James Gillespie, Leonard Gillespie and Thomas Gillespie; and grandson, Reginald Stacey Sudderth.

Left to cherish her precious memory, the love of her life, her son James Leon Sudderth; grandson Marcus Miller, Knoxville; granddaughter, Lily Mae Patrick, Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Tionya Miller and Marcus (D.J.) Miller, Jr., Tyneishia Revels, Amber Sudderth and Charleston Sudderth; great-great-grandchild, KavieonRevels. Biological Grand and Great Grand; LyndzeHarper and Raylynn Harper. Sister-in-laws, Rose Gillespie, Laura Bell Manuel and Minnie Helen Locke; brother-in-law, Walter Cotner. Mabel leaves a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, as well as relatives and friends. A special friend, Karen Smith.

The family will receive friends at Foothills Funeral Home from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020; funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Kamau Kenyatta.

Interment at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

During this time, social distancing and face masks are required. The body may be viewed after noon on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.