Shirley June Cotton

Shirely June Cotton, 87, of Mapleton, IL, went home to be with her Lord on August 9, 2025, at Richard Owen OSF Hospice Home of Peoria. Shirley was born on December 15,1937 in Spring Lake, Illinois, to her parents, Charles and Anna Martin (nee Swearingian). She married Gerald W. Adams Sr. in 1955. After his death in 1964, she married Merl E. Cotton Jr. on April 23, 1966. He survives.

Also surviving are 4 daughters; Debra June (Don- deceased) Ashurst of Peoria; Tammy Yvonne (Eric) VanWye Sr. of Bartonville; Toni Ann (Dave) Greving of Pekin; Kelly Jo (Eric Todd) Cotton of Peoria, and one son; Gerald W. (Gak) Adams Jr. of Pekin. Shirley had 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Lois & Thelma; 8 brothers, Charles, Henry, George, Forrest, Loren, Marlyn, Paul, and Raymond; one son-in-law, Don Ashurst; and 2 grandchildren, Jessica VanWye and Dan Ashurst.

Shirley loved to crochet, sew and spend time with her family. Her love for her Lord and Savior was demonstrated by her gentle loving spirit and she shared her faith with everyone she met. She and her husband attended LaMarsh Baptist Church, Mapleton. Shirley was a die-hard CUBS fan.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 2pm at LaMarsh Baptist Church, 9507 W. Mapleridge Rd, Mapleton, IL. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm at the church until the time of service. Cremation has been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LaMarsh Baptist Church, St. Jude, or Wounded Warrior Project.