Mary Frances Cothran

Mary Frances Cothran, 97, of Charlotte, N.C., formerly of Shelby, N.C., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. She was born and raised in Kings Mountain, N.C. The daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Hord, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, the late Thomas White Cothran, Jr.

A 1934 graduate of Erskine College, she majored in English and Dramatics. Prior to her marriage to Mr. Cothran, she taught at both Bethware and Cherryville High School. She picked back up the teaching profession once she married and her children were older, by opening “Wonderland Kindergarten” out of her home in Shelby for many years. She touched the lives of many families and instilled life lessons that were never forgotten by her students many of whom still kept in touch. Each year her kindergarten touched hundreds of lives, dressing up as “bunnies” and raising money on the court house square in Shelby for the Easter Seals Association.

Mary Frances cherished her family and friends. She was loved by all who knew her. Her loving, outreaching, sweet personality and positive attitude were inspirational to everyone’s lives she touched. She loved to cook and to entertain. She lived her life to serve others. She was blessed to have family close, and was always an active part of all their lives and so many fond memories. A devout Christian, she loved her church, Aldersgate Methodist in Shelby, N.C. She was a member of the Bayliss Class and was so blessed while living in Charlotte to keep in touch with so many of her dear friends from there. The family wishes to express appreciation to all of the wonderful staff at Southminster Retirement Community where she led an active lifestyle for her last ten years. She leaves behind many close friends there.

Survivors include her sons, Tom Cothran, III of Shelby; Jim Cothran (wife Jennie) of Moore, S.C.; daughter Ginny Connelly (husband Jay) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren: Ashley Barker, Nathan Cothran, Erin Cothran, Matthew Cothran, Ben Cothran, Berkeley Connelly and Corey Connelly; and step grandson, Skip Davis; great grandchildren: Murphy, Reagan, Holden Barker and Natalie Cothran; her sister Carolyn Harris of Brentwood, TN, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was also preceded in death by her six other siblings: Otto Hord, James Hord, George Hord, Jr., Maude Eunice Hord, Margaret Hord Anthony, and Ruth Hord Craft, her daughter in law Linda Cline Cothran.

Mrs. Cothran was a long time member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, holding chapter offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Vice Regent during her active years of the Benjamin Cleveland Chapter. She was also a long time member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, serving several years as President of the Cleveland Guard Chapter and also serving as State President for the North Carolina Division for three years. In addition to her love of the UDC and the DAR, she belonged and served in the past to many other local clubs and associations in the Shelby community.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, Feb. 26 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Hwy 74 bypass, Shelby, N.C.28152. Visitation for family and friends will be at 1 p.m. in the narthex with the service following at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Revs. Wayne Allen, Katie Roberts, and Elizabeth Minus will be officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Rd. Charlotte, N.C. 28210
Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Shelby, N.C. 28152.
Arrangements are in the care of Clay Barnette Funeral Home, Hwy 74 bypass, Shelby, N.C.