Naomi Marie (Wallace) Cotten

Naomi Marie Wallace Cotten, age 85, of Sanford, NC, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Naomi was born in Harnett County on September 8, 1940 to the late David Henry Wallace and Thelma Gautier Wallace.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Max Cotten; granddaughter Morgan Cotten; sister Carolyn Wallace; special sister-in law Nora Wallace; brothers Donnie Wallace, Ted Wallace, Tommy Wallace; step-son Ronnie Cotten and step-daughter Dianne Scarbrough. 

Naomi was a loving caretaker most of her life. Despite the struggles of life, Naomi always found comfort in caring for her friends and family. Naomi took pride in her many passions which included working in the yard and gardening. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and simply spending time in her kitchen. She was known for her special cold-oven pound cake. Naomi had an open-door policy offering a safe space and “snack & cold drink” for anyone at any time of the day. She enjoyed watching marathons on her favorite channel, Court TV. Naomi took pride in working in her yard. If you couldn’t reach her on the phone, she was likely working in her yard sunup to sundown. She always said her rake, shovel and lawnmower was the best medicine for her arthritis. Naomi truly lived for her family, believing that was her purpose in life. 

She dearly loved her close-knit family and they include her daughters Cynthia Godfrey (Tom), Kathy Hare (Billy), Rebecca Cotten Yarnell (Stephen); brothers Jimmy Wallace (Mary), Larry Wallace, Phillip Wallace(, and Elton Wallace; and sisters Vickie Wallace and Patricia Wallace ; grandchildren Heather, Brandy, Summer, Wesley, Megan, Kelsey, and Patrick; great-grandchildren Kamryn, Kailey, Jaden, Chase, Gage, Ivy, Emma,Abigail, Max, Maverick, and great-great-grandchild Grayson. She is also survived by special friends that were like her extended family; Pamela and James Jessup and their children Matthew and Emily. Naomi was their nanny for over 20 years. 

The family will receive friends at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A graveside service will be held at Shallow Well Church Cemetery on Saturday, June 20th at 2:00 PM with Pastor Michael Matson officiating. 

Naomi believed in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to them at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to www.stjude.org.

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