Ms. Madgie R. Cotton

Madgie Ree James “Madgaree,” was born, on Halloween 1937, to Barney Aggie James in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Madgie was the middle child of 9 siblings. Her childhood was spent in Aberdeen, Mississippi. She graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1956. After High school, she got married and began raising a family. She went on to work at a bakery, Alpha Plastics for some years and later retired at JCPenney’s distribution center after 25 years of employment. After retirement she worked as a bus monitor for Head Start children for twenty years and worked as a respite provider for the foster care system for 20 years, as well. She retired for good Jan 2020. Madgie was at the heart of a close-knit family and deeply cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who loved her just as dearly and stayed closely connected with each of them. Madgie also shared a special bond with her siblings, and together they remained loving, supportive, and inseparable throughout the years. Madgie had a pleasant, kind, quiet, and sweet spirit. She did not enjoy arguing or conflict and was always a peacemaker. Raised by her parents in the admonition of the Lord, she remained faithful to Him throughout her entire life. Madgie consistently offered sound, biblical advice and showed kindness to everyone who crossed her path. She faithfully led all of her children in the ways of the Lord, leaving a Christ-centered legacy that has now touched three generations and continues to grow. Christ was truly the center of her life, and she held firmly to her faith at all times, never wavering. Madgie cooked wholesome meals every day, and if you ever asked what made her food so delicious, she would always reply, “salt & peppa.” She had a generous heart and was always willing to help anyone who came to her in need. She was loved and respected by her co-workers, neighbors, and the foster care community. Madgie was an excellent mother. Her children never lacked anything, as she always provided above and beyond for them. She was truly a living example of a Proverbs 31 woman. We were so incredibly blessed to have her as our mother. Madgie was preceded in death by her husband, Sullivan Cotton Jr.; her father, Barney James; her mother, Aggie James; her brother, Cleothus James; her sister; Thelma Hathaway; her brother, Willie James; her brother, Barney James Jr.; her sister, Doris Jones; her sister, Delores Mcalister and her brother, Julius James. Madgie Ree gained her Heavenly wings and went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Madgie leaves to morn her daughters, Barbara Bivens (Lee’s Summit); Angela Holland (Greenwood, MO); Eddie Holland (KCMO); Michael Holland (KCMO); and Jeffery Holland (Lavanda) (KCKS); 19 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; her sister, Gertrude Sublett (KCKS); her sister, Idalou Barnes (KCKS); a host of nieces; and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday January 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Concord Fortress of Hope 11050 W. Longview Parkway KCMO 64134. Interment: Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation: 9 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website

Ms. Madgie R. Cotton

October 31, 1937 - January 4, 2026