Obituaries 03-12-26

BRENDA CHARLENE BUCKELS COTTEN

Jan. 27, 1947-March 8, 2026

Funeral services for Brenda Charlene Buckels Cotten, 79, of Meadville, 
were conducted on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with graveside services 
following at the church cemetery from Siloam Baptist Church in 
Meadville.

Born on Jan. 27, 1947 in McComb to Charles Frederick Buckels and Theria 
Dee Hutto Buckels, she spend her life devoted to her family.

She graduated from Franklin County High School in 1965 and furthered her 
education at Co-Lin. She dedicated her professional career to the 
Franklin County Superintendent of Education's Office.

She married Larry Joe Cotten at Byrd's Chapel Church of God in Meadville 
on July 12, 1969. They were married for 56 wonderful years.

An active member of Siloam Baptist Church, she was renowned for her 
delicious desserts and her selfless service to the church. Her love for 
cooking and baking was paralleled by her passion for Southern Gospel 
music, often attending concerts and the National Quarter Convention.

Her favorite role was being "Mimi," which brought her immense joy as she 
cherished every moment spent with grandchildren.

Her favorite Scripture was Isaiah 41:10, which became her life verse.

She died peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Meadville after a 
courageous seven-year-long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Cotten; her daughter and 
son-in-law, Tanji and Chris Ayers; her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin 
and Andrea Cotten; her grandsons, Zack Cotten, Luke Cotten and Jacob 
Cotten; her granddaughter and her spouse, Tessa and Sky Allen; her 
brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Pat Buckels; her sisters and 
brothers-in-law, Christine and Roger Dunn and Judy and Bobby Holland; 
her aunt, Mary Buckels; and a host of beloved cousins, nieces and 
nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Theria Dee 
Buckels; and her sister, Janet Sharon Buckels.

Pallbearers were Kevin Cotten, Zack Cotten, Luke Cotten, Chris Ayers, 
Sky Allen and Gary Buckels. Honorary pallbearer was Jacob Cotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Baptist 
Church's Village & Family Ministries.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.franklinfh.com.

Franklin Funeral Home of Meadville was in charge of arrangements.