Wednesday, July 17, 2024 7:30 am

Trudy Atkinson Cotton, age 62, of Rutherfordton, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Trudy was born June 28, 1962 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to the late Joseph Howard Atkinson, Jr. and Kay Shepperd Atkinson.

She graduated from R.V. Regional High School. Trudy owned and operated The Hedger House in Chatsworth, NJ for many years in addition to working as a cook in various restaurants.

In addition to her parents, Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Franklin Cotton, Sr.; her stepdaughter, Tracie Cotton; and brothers, Eddie Atkinson, Jodi Atkinson, and Johnny Atkinson.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Colbert (Lamont), of Rutherfordton; sons, Phillip Cotton (Brandi), of Rutherfordton, and Kenny Cotton (Amanda), of Orangeburg, SC; eight grandchildren, brothers, Keith Atkinson (Joann), Ross Atkinson (Melissa), and Chuck Atkinson (Noreen); and a host of nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends was held July 16 at Harrelson Funeral Home.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.