Janice Lynne Cottrell

Janice Lynne Cottrell, 74, of Sullivan, MO, affectionately known as Jan to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Crab Apple Village Care Center in St. Clair, MO. Born on January 22, 1950, in Thayer, MO, to Eugene and Edna (Taylor) Cockman, Jan's life was a testament to her kind, generous, and faith-filled spirit.

Jan grew up in Steelville, MO, where she attended local schools and graduated from Steelville High School with the class of 1968. It was in the third grade that Jan met her lifelong sweetheart, James Vencil Cottrell. Their young love blossomed over the years, and they were united in marriage on January 17, 1970. Together, they were blessed with three children: Rebecca, Ronald, and Dale, who added immense joy and purpose to Jan's life.

Professionally, Jan dedicated many years to her career as a bookkeeper. She worked for Dean Brueske, D & E Accounting, and later for W & M Restaurants, where her meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic were greatly valued. Jan retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity in her work.

Jan's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an involved and devoted member of the First Assembly of God churches in Steelville and Sullivan, where her gentle spirit and unwavering belief were an inspiration to many. Her faith guided her actions and was evident in the way she lived her life every day.

Family was central to Jan's world, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She often traveled great distances to be with them, ensuring that they felt her love and support no matter the miles between them. Jan also enjoyed trips with her sisters, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

A sports enthusiast, Jan loved watching college basketball and football.  Her love for music was equally strong, as she enjoyed listening to Joy FM radio and attending Christian concerts over the years.

Jan was a generous person, always giving of her time and resources to others. Her quiet and gentle spirit was a comfort to her family and friends, and her presence was a calming force in their lives.  As a devoted wife and mother, Jan's legacy is one of love, dedication, and selflessness.

Jan is survived by her three children: Rebecca Callahan and husband, LeRoy of Sullivan, Ronald Cottrell and wife, Andrea of Eureka, MO and Dale Cottrell and wife, Alyssa of Sullivan; eleven grandchildren: Amanda Braun and husband Darrel of Union, MO, Samantha Dishman and husband Kenny of Sullivan, Nick Callahan of Leasburg, MO, Beau Kick of Sullivan, Kayla Anderson and husband, Jeremey of Sullivan, Amanda Tod and husband, Jordan of Sullivan, Lucas Cottrell of North Carolina, Austin Frye of Sullivan, Hayden Cottrell of Texas, Haley & Jackson Cottrell, both of Eureka; six great-grandchildren: Adaline, Finnley, Harper, Erin, Henry, and Aiden; two sisters:  Joyce Hatton and husband, David and Judy Leasor and husband, Paul all of Sullivan; a brother-in-law, Doug Cottrell and special friend, Jennifer Bayless, of Steelville; two sisters-in-law: Cleta Green and husband, Dan of Steelville and Rhonda Farris and husband Bill of Sullivan; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim in 2022; a great-grandson, Marvel Dishman; her parents, Eugene & Edna Cockman; a sister, Catherine Walters and her husband, Red; her in-laws, Arlie “Vencil” and Myrtle “Alline” Cottrell; and a sister-in-law, Karen Wynn.

Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 8, 2024, at First Assembly of God Church in Sullivan with Pastors Kyle Phillips and Sean Adams officiating. Interment will follow in Steelville Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Memorial contributions may be given in Jan’s memory to the Cancer Infusion Center of Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

Online condolences may be shared with Jan’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.