Regina Cotton

Regina Faye Murphy Cotton, the eighth of ten children, was born on June 18, 1955, to the late Harrison and Janie Bell Murphy in Houston County, Crockett, Texas. In the small farming community of Wheeler Springs (Northwest of Crockett), Regina lived her childhood years. Her life focused mainly on doing farm work, attending church, and making good grades in school.

Following the influences of her parents and her older siblings, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and joined the Community Church. In addition to Church work, school work became a priority as well.

She graduated from Crockett High School in 1973. In an effort to continue her education, she attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, and graduated in May of 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Making Waco her home away from home, Regina entered the workforce with dedication and commitment. During this time, she met and married Mr. Lucious Lee Cotton, and brought to this union Vatina and Darrick. A few years later on June 24, 1984, Lucious Cotton Jr. was born into the family. With her dedication to her family and the support of her husband, she lived a life of simple pleasures.

As a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, she experienced spiritual growth as evidenced by her active participation and support of youth and adult programs alike. Waco ISD afforded her 28 years of pure delight while working in the Early Childhood Department. Because of her for parents and students, she was considered to be a “Master Recruiter” for the program.

Most of all Regina enjoyed spending time with her beloved husband, children, grand and great-grandchildren, chatting with relatives and friends, and taking every opportunity to return to Wheeler Springs to enjoy family and other home folks.

On February 5, 2021, Regina was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison Murphy and Janie Bell Scott; grandparents, Joe and Eula Warner and brothers, Cleon Murphy, Raymond Murphy, and Henry James Murphy.

She leaves to cherish her memory: a devoted husband, Lucious Lee Cotton Sr. of Waco, Texas; two sons, Darrick Murphy (Lettie) and Lucious Cotton Jr. (Leatrice) both of Waco, Texas; one daughter, Vatina Murphy of Waco, Texas; four brothers, Joe Murphy, Alvin Murphy, Rev. Harry Fred Scott (Charlie Mae) of Crockett, Texas and Rev. William H. Murphy (Nikita) of Montgomery, Alabama; three sisters, Estella Bell of Terrell, Texas; Willia Wooten (Burtis) of Lovelady, Texas; and Laura Frowner (Lemuel) of El Paso, Texas; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Archie Mays; sisters-in-law, Carol Murphy and Lillie Murphy; and host of nieces, nephews, countless friends and co-workers.

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