Nancy Joyce Cotton of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at her home. She was born on July 5, 1944, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Wilbur Leverton and Helen (Pitcher) Leverton. She was 77 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray W. Cotton, and a sister, Carol Gertz.

Nancy was a longtime member of First Lutheran and Bethel Lutheran churches where she spent many years serving the Lord in many capacities. She loved children and that love led her to spend many of her early years taking care of her Goddaughter and other young children. She taught Sunday School for several years at First Lutheran and later taught preschool at First Lutheran School.  She also spent many years working in the Gift Shop at Sparks Hospital. She was blessed with three grandchildren, whom she adored more than anything, and devoted her later years to caring for them.

Nancy was known for her positive attitude, a witty sense of humor, was candid and gave wise advice, a loyal friend, and her steadfast strength. She was a dear friend to many people and was always there to lend a helping hand in any way she could, give a shoulder to cry on, or listen in a time of need.

God blessed Nancy with many talents but her artistic abilities were something to be admired. She loved crafting, decorating for the holidays, cake decorating, basket weaving, and making costumes. She used her artistic talents to serve the Lord by helping to decorate at church, school, and anywhere else she could. Her faith in God was always the driving force in her life and she found joy in spending her time in service to the church, school, and most importantly, her beloved family and friends.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30th at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5400 Euper Lane Fort Smith, Arkansas. Officiating the service will be Pastor Josh Willadsen.

She is survived by her son, Robert 'Tory' Olson; her grandchildren, Matthew Olson, Andrew Olson, Kaitlyn Olson, and Renee Andrews; her goddaughter, Sarah McKinney Morgan; her nephew, Michael Earl Gertz; and her longtime friend and companion, Buster.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th St. Suite 609, New York, NY  10036. (866) 346-3228

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Cremation Services in Fort Smith, 914 N. 32nd St. Fort Smith, AR  72903. (479) 434-3901 or (479) 965-8202

You can place an online tribute to brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com. You may visit our Facebook page, Brotherton Brothers Cremation Services in Fort Smith. Thank You