Deborah "Cotton" Mckinnion

Funeral services for Deborah Lynn “Cotton” McKinnion will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Ron Thames officiating. Burial will follow in McLain Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 at 10 a.m. until service time at McClain-Hays Chapel. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Who is Cotton? Cotton was born with an independent spirit-one that brought many challenges to her and to her loving family as well. Little did she know she would need this. At an early age Cotton was met with a health challenge that would follow her throughout her life. She was not destined to be controlled with this challenge and sit on the couch saying “poor me” that was not Cotton. She would rise, face it and fight to overcome its challenge. She graduated Neshoba Central High School, attended Meridian Junior College, Holmes Community College and School of Modeling. Cotton could be called an entrepreneur. She took many titles and was skilled in doing a multitude of things-things you might not think were a part of her wheelhouse. She was more skilled in modern technology than most. While operating a cleaning service, she would clean until everything shined and caught the attention of all who saw her work. She would then go and model for high clothing lines. Cotton also enjoyed her outside work and her hobby of painting would put her on the highest ladder no matter the pitch of the house. She enjoyed yard work and even did all the maintenance and mechanic work on the mowers, a skill which she inherited from her daddy. Cotton was known for being a friend to so many. A friend said, “I enjoyed talking with Cotton, she was like a mother to me and always gave me good advice. There was an incident when a person had lost his job and was unable to feed himself-naturally Cotton helped him out as was her way of life. She gave him a place to stay, food to eat and neighborly care. During his stay he painted her house and helped her with chores. When he regained his job-he thanked Cotton and went on his way. He never forgot who helped him, that was Cotton. There are many more stories like this one of Cotton opening her doors to so many. She was not looking for a handout-but was giving a hand up to so many. She gave meals and a place to lay their heads until they could get back on their feet. In some instances, the need was so great, and Cotton would extend her person even to her own detriment. She helped them all. Cotton had an adventure for learning through reading, and this adventure developed her skill set in many areas. She always got excited when she had mastered something new. Cotton had an undying love for her family. It was the greatest love of all. She would use all means to help if she could, always. She was there for her mother as mama’s years slowed down. She was always “Mama’s Baby”, and to some of us “Rotten Cotton” being spoiled as the youngest sibling. The past ten years of Cotton’s life brought on a much slower pace for Cotton as her health rapidly declined. She slowed down but never quit! For the past four months, Cotton’s health declined even more rapidly, but she fought a fight few could have endured. She spent many hours praying, praising, and thanking God for what he had done for her, and would say, “whatever God has for me I gladly accept as his will”. She was hoping to have an opportunity to witness to others of God’s love and mercy. All those prayers that mama sent up day after day have been answered. For the most serious procedures that she had while in the hospital, she returned to her room with thumbs up saying, “I made it”, who else but Cotton could have that outlook, there are many more things that could be said of Cotton, but those of you that really knew her, know more. She is going to be missed so much by all of us. But it can be said that Cotton made her contributions by her showing love, compassion and giving of herself to those who needed it more than she, God bless Cotton!!! Survivors include her brother, Micheal Keith McKinnion (Connie); sister, Johnnie Cile Thames (Ron). Cotton was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie Harrison and Mary Lucille (Eakes) McKinnion; brother, Jerry Delane McKinnion; sister, Luva Joyce McLain.