Geneva Anne Cotten

Geneva graduated from Lake Charles High and became known for her remarkable singing talent. She began performing publicly at age 10 and remained committed to music throughout her life including years of devoted participation in the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus. She will be well remembered for her role as Miss Mona in a community production of “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, which showcased her beautiful soprano voice. She graduated magna cum laude from McNeese with a degree in Special Education.

In 1962, Geneva married the love of her life, Jim Cotten. Their marriage spanned 63 years. Together, they owned and operated Cotten’s Western Wear for 60+ years.

Geneva was deeply committed to civic engagement and social justice. She was an advocate for equal rights, serving as a dedicated member of the League of Women Voters and working tirelessly in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Geneva served on the Lake Charles City Council from 1981-1985. Later she worked for the Louisiana Small Business Association, where she championed opportunity and local enterprise. She was a member of PEO Lake Charles Chapter, the Junior League of Lake Charles, and Phi Kappa Phi honor fraternity.

Above all, Geneva was devoted to her family. She and Jim raised two daughters, and she delighted in her role as grandmother to three grandchildren, whom she loved “avec tout Mon Coeur.”

True to her nature, she remained sassy, witty, and full of spirit until the very end, delighting caregivers with her humor and clever banter.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mary Lisotta, and her cousin, Rose Timpa Holland.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Jim Cotten; daughters, Catherine Anne Peveto (Dave Mase); Mary Elizabeth Calvert (John Crane); grandchildren Lauren Michelle Sinkar (Kevin), Daphne Geneva Peveto (Michelle), Allison Grace Calvert; and sister, Virginia Lisotta Book, (James), along with extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX on January 2, 2026, at noon.