Neata Justine Cotton
Click to Enlarge Photo
Click to Enlarge Photo
March 4th, 1924 - September 28th, 2010
From: Alton, MO
Visitation: 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday
September 29, 2010
Clary Funeral Home
Alton, MO
Funeral: 2:00pm Thursday
September 30, 2010
Many Springs Church
Many Springs, MO
Burial: Many Springs Cemetery
On a farm in the Calm community near Gatewood, five children were born to Clarence and Nova Robinson Fagan: Christine, Justine, Ellen, Lawrence and Betty. We honor Justine today. Justine was born March 4, 1924. The second daughter of the family, she and her siblings attended school at Liberty – a one-room school, first through eight grades. They walked about one mile each way if they took a short cut through the woods. They had a nice home place, the house was a Sears and Roebuck ready to build house.

Justine graduated from Couch High School in 1942, then went to Springfield, MO, to attend summer school, at that time called State Teacher’s College. Justine had her dad go with her to the Alton Bank to borrow $100. She wanted to pay her own way to school. When her dad asked her if she needed some more money and the answer was always “No, I’m getting along alright.” She still had $10 left when she finished her summer school. Then she told her parents that she had worked as a waitress at the “College Inn”. Justine later completed a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas State College. Justine began her teaching career in 1942 at Bardley in a one-room school with 44 students in grades one through eight. She later taught at rural schools in Pine, Nebo, and Whitten. Justine taught in the Alton Elementary School for 17 years and had the privilege of establishing the first library for the Alton Elementary School.

Justine met Gene Johnson while attending Springfield Teachers College when several Oregon County young people enrolled there met at “Dolling Park” for a get together. They were married July 16, 1948. Gene was also a school teacher, then later an elementary school principal. The Johnson lived most of their married life on their farm near the Riverton community. Justine’s love of flower gardening extended from her years on the farm throughout her life. Justine was an active member of the Many Springs Baptist Church, and a long standing member of the Alton Chapter No. 209 Order of Eastern Star. Justine was also an avid family genealogist, and a charter member of the Oregon County Genealogy Association. Justine and Gene raised three daughters – Shirley Jean, Brenda Kay, and Martha Elizabeth, on their farm, and later enjoyed sharing with their eight grandchildren – Brian, Mark, Amy, Alice, Aaron, Sharon, Cassie and Patricia, pond fishing, trips to the Eleven Point River, and everyday chores like breaking beans and churning butter.

Justine later cared for Gene diligently through a lengthy illness until his passing in 1995. On January 1, 1996, Justine married Patrick Earl Cotton, a former classmate and friend at Couch High School. Justine is survived by her husband, Patrick Earl Cotton, of Alton, MO; Daughter Shirley Jean Young and husband Gary of Derby, KS; Daughter Brenda Kay Bell and husband Stan of Thomasville, MO; Daughter Martha Elizabeth and husband Jeremy of Fargo, ND. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. Justine is also survived by sister Christine Holt of Doniphan, MO; sister Ellen Holt and husband Daly of Pocahontas, AR; sister Betty Keel and husband Melvin of Ponder, MO; brother Lawrence Fagan and wife Sue of Fairdealing, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. Justine is preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene, and granddaughter Anna Elizabeth Bubendorf.

Throughout the various roles she played in the many lives she touched Justine imparted many life lessons. She leaves a legacy to her family, friends and former students: Always give your best – whether it be your personal appearance, a clean front porch, your work, and always - to your family.

Services will be 2:00pm Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the Many Springs Church with Bro. Bob Wiggs officiating, burial in the Many Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday at the Clary Funeral Home, Alton, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alton School foundation.

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