Martha J. Cotton

Martha J. Cotton PORTSMOUTH - Martha J. Cotton, 93, of the 900 block of Suburban Parkway, died March 4, 2009, in Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. A native of Norfolk County, she was born Aug. 29, 1915, and retired from Portsmouth public schools after 12 years of service. Mrs. Cotton was a member of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth. The widow of James Cotton, she is survived by two daughters, Shirley Ann Peoples of Portsmouth and LaVerne Finney (John) of Chesapeake; special granddaughters, Barbara Bass (Kevin), Jacquelyn Jackson and Gail Elliott Mudd (Cortez); five other grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A funeral will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Third Baptist Church by the Rev. Joe B. Fleming. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday from noon to 7 p.m. at Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St., Portsmouth. The family will assemble at 2816 Aaron Drive, Chesapeake. The body will be in the church Tuesday at noon.