On the evening of May 25, 2020, an angel of Mercy came and gently caressed the bright spirit of Winell C. Cottingham.

Winell C. Cottingham was born to the union of the late Miles Hammilton and Gladys Simmons Hamilton in Hemphill, Texas on June 2, 1943.  She was the second sibling of six children.

She attended the public school district in Hemphill where she graduated from High School.  She went on to further her education by attending Bishop College in Dallas, Texas where she received her Bachelor's degree in education.  She later attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches where she earned her Masters degree in education.  She taught school for over 40 years, retiring in 2017.  She taught in Many, Louisiana, Hemphill, Texas and Lufkin, Texas.

She obeyed the gospel in Hemphill and was faithful in the church there for many years.  After moving to Lufkin, she faithfully served in the church at the Lubbock Street congregation until her death.  She was married to Dean Crockett and to this union, three children were born: Demetrius, Dorcas (McFarland), and Mark.  In 2017, she married Norvie Cottingham, Sr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Miles and Gladys Hamilton;  brother, M. G. Hamilton; and sister, Zenobia Lyons.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Norvie Cottingham, Sr.; sons, Demetrius Crocket of Austin and Mark Crocket of Anaheim, CA; daughter, Dorcas McFarland of Peyton, CO; one brother, Otis Hamilton of Lufkin, two sisters, Mozell Darden of Lufkin and Geneva McFarland and husband, C. J., also of Lufkin; grandchildren, Gene McFarland, Jr., Davius McFarland, Gariel McFarland, and Daniel McFarland; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas.

Memorial services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2020 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel.

Condolence may be made and guest book may be signed at starrfuneralhome.com.