Jane C. Cotten

Jane Crumbaugh Cotten, age 89 , died March 4, 2017. Her parents were Robert Chalmers and Jane Finnegan Crumbaugh. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Brooks Cotten, Sr., her son, Claud Davenport Cotten, III, her parents, and her brother, Robert Chalmers Crumbaugh, Jr.

Survivors include her children, H. Brooks Cotten, Jr. (Denise) and Jenny Cotten Salem (Emeel); grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emeel Salem, Sam, Lucia, Kaylee and Ella Jane Cotten, and Charity Martin; and great grandchildren, Bailey Grace and Olivia Faith Martin.

Jane attended Vanderbilt University and graduated in 1949. She taught 2nd grade at Crestline Elementary School until she married her soul mate, H. Brooks Cotten, Sr. in 1951. After taking time off to raise her 3 children, Jane went back to school at the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. For 20 years following, she had a wonderful career as a first grade teacher at Highlands Day School.

Jane was an active member of the Birmingham community. She was a devoted member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, past president of the Junior League of Birmingham, and a member of the Linley Heflin Unit. She served on several community boards including the Volunteer Bureau, Mercy Home, Children’s Aid Society, Children’s Hospital, Highlands Day School and St. Martin’s in the Pines.

Jane cherished her life…her family and friends, gardening, sports, travel and, of course, her beloved Vanderbilt University. She was extremely strong and courageous, ever maintaining her grace and dignity in spite of her 20 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was loved and respected by her family and by everyone who crossed her path. Jane made this world a better place and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to Jane’s devoted caregivers: Bessie Mae Foster, Kenyon Brown, Peggy Lewis, Novetta Tubbs, Kenyata Lee, Thelma Boware and Jennifer Jackson.

Funeral service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on March 13 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 am in Graham Hall. Memorials may be made to the Outreach Committee of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213 to The Claud D. Cotten, III, Inner City Youth Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, 2100 First Avenue N., Suite 700, Birmingham, AL 35203, or to a favorite charity.