Almeria Thompson Cottingham

Almeria Thompson Cottingham, who lived a rich and meaningful life, characterized by intellectual curiosity and a deep love for her community, passed away peacefully Wednesday, the 12th of June 2024. Born on the 8th of November 1933 in Houston, she was the eldest of three daughters of Frederica Lykes and Benjamin Franklin Thompson. Almeria was the granddaughter of James McKay Lykes, known for his contributions to shipping, ranching and real estate from Texas to the Caribbean.

A proud native of Houston, Almeria attended The Kinkaid School before earning her degree in Zoology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. She began her career as a research assistant at M.D. Anderson in Houston, where her enthusiasm and skills shone brightly. However, her adventurous spirit and passion for travel led her to work at Van Nes Travel Agency, where she could combine her love of exploration with her professional life.

In 1966, Almeria married Charles Daniel “Chuck” Cottingham, embracing an instant family with his two children. Together, they enjoyed years of travel and adventure on their sailboat before settling down to welcome two more children of their own.

Almeria was deeply involved in her community, holding leadership roles in various organizations such as the Houston Bulb Mart, Smith College Alumnae, Junior League of Houston, and the Houston Garden Club. As a dedicated member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, she served in numerous capacities including Vestry, Altar Guild President, and Lay Eucharistic Shepherd’s Guild Volunteer. Her commitment extended to The Amazing Place, a senior center where she became one of its first volunteers and a key figure in its development.

Almeria found joy in her home on the West Coast of Florida, cherishing moments spent with her sisters, family, and friends. She approached life with an adventurous spirit, even developing a parcel of land into townhomes in her later years, simply for the experience.

Almeria was preceded in death by her parents, Frederica and Ben Thompson; her sons Kelly Thompson Cottingham and Michael Buchanan Cottingham; and Chuck’s son, Charles Daniel “Danny” Cottingham. She is survived by Chuck’s daughter, Leila Cottingham Thorne of Scottsdale, AZ; her four grandchildren, Haley Cottingham Mowery and her husband Matt, Mason Cottingham, Stephen Cottingham, and Nicholas Cottingham; her great-grandson, Cameron Mowery; her two sisters, Helen Thompson Kerr of Tampa, FL, and Frederica McKay Thompson of Santa Barbara, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Darlene and Nia, who enriched Almeria’s life in her final years.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, on Tuesday, the 18th of June, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston where The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson, Vicar for Pastoral Care and The Rev. James M.L. Grace are to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.

The family will gather for a private inurnment at St. Martin’s Original Garden of the Holy Cross at a later date.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to The Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel, Houston, Texas 77027 or by visiting online at www.amazingplacehouston.org/donate, St Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056 or by visiting online at www.stmartinsepiscopal.org/give-main; or to a charity of one’s choice.

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