Mabel Cotner

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 educated in Blount County School System.

Mabel was a memb er in grand standings at Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church, Rockford from the cradle roll, 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 preced ed 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 Sud derth .

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 Revel s, Amber Sudderth and Charleston Sudderth ; great great grandchild, Kavieon Revels. Biological Grand and Great Grand; Lyndze Harper 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 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020; funera l service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with officiating by Rev. Kamau Kenyatt .

Interment at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

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