Amelia Dunlap Cotty

Columbia - Amelia Dunlap Cotty, 74, died peacefully at home on December 12, 2021, after a brave five-year battle with ovarian cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow.

Amelia was born March 16, 1947 in Rock Hill, S.C., the daughter of Samuel J.C. Dunlap and Ivy Ferguson Dunlap. After she graduated from Winthrop College, Amelia moved to Washington, D.C. where she met and married William Frank Cotty on December 26, 1969. The couple was happily wed for forty-six years. She taught for over twenty years at Spring Valley Presbyterian Preschool and also served as their Director. She was the backbone of her husband’s political career.

As a member of the Richland County Master Gardener Class of 1996, Amelia was an avid gardener and in 2020 was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for being one of their longest serving and most active members. For more than twenty years, Amelia served on almost every project and committee in the organization, as well as the Board of Directors. She also volunteered with the S.C. Midland’s Master Gardener Association., SVPC Memorial Garden, and Columbia Green. Amelia is best known for her tireless commitment to the Carolina Children’s Garden, now called the Sandhill Children’s Garden.

Amelia is survived by her children, Lt. Col. William Dunlap Cotty, (Julie) of Tampa, FL, Molly Casson (Dirk) of Centreville, VA, and Anne Marie Lathan (Will) of New Bern, NC, and seven grandchildren, Sarah, Eric, Tyler, Emma, Thomas, Heath, and Maggie. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Shealy (Tom) of Clemson, SC. In addition to her parents, Amelia was predeceased by her husband, The Honorable William F. Cotty.

The family wishes to thank Dr. William Merritt, Dr. Anne Hutchinson, Dr. Robert Smith, staff at SCOA, Hospice, Right-At-Home, and Baptist Hospital for their kindness and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richland County Master Gardener’s Scholarship, SVPC Memorial Garden Fund, the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina, SCOA Cares, Carolina’s Children’s Garden, & Sister Care.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.