Beverly (Wilson) Cotton (1934 - 2015)

Born 26 Sep 1934 in Miami, Oklahoma, USA

Biography

Beverly Cotton died after a brief illness, surrounded by family and assurances that her beloved dogs, Bear and Miss Patty, would be well cared for. Bev was born in Miami, Oklahoma, and always felt a strong connection to the land, the Cherokee tribe, family members, and her many friends from childhood. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois, and enrolled at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta at Miami, and graduated with a BS in Biology and Physical Education. "Mrs. Cotton", as she was known to her students, taught for 33 years in Albuquerque Public Schoolsâ€"Sandia High, Del Norte, and the Career Enrichment Center. She retired in 1988 as Chair of the Science Department of the Magnet High School for Albuquerque. She was named NM Outstanding Biology Teacher (1973), NM Distinguished Teacher of Science and Research (1985), and Albuquerque Distinguished Teacher (1986). More important than her awards was her abiding fondness and respect for her students, many of whom kept in touch over the years and went on to their own successful careers in medical and related health fields. She also taught part time at the University of New Mexico from 1977-84. She was one of the founding members of the Albuquerque Teachers' Union. Bev was a member of the school board and Clerk of the Curriculum Committee for the Albuquerque Friends School. Bev loved "botanizing", camping, golfing, walking, reading, and Tai Chi.

She leaves behind her sister, Jane Wilson; brother-in-law Dick Wilson; niece Winona Wilson; nephew George Wilson and his wife Jenny and their two daughters Audrey and Sophia; in addition to many beloved and loving friends. We will miss her.

Bev did not wish to have a funeral service. However, a graveside memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sources

• Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 23, 2015