Judy Mae Cotton was born May 19, 1948 to Lucille Mae Lockett and George Mays in Shuqualak, MS. She was the first of four children.

Judy accepted Christ at an early age and she joined Oak Grove Baptist Church.

She met Mattie Cotton in 1967 and they were married in 1968 in Macon, MS to this union two children were born, James Henry Mays and Johnny Dontae Mays.

Judy worked at Cal Jack in Macon for some time and then moved to the glove factory in Shuqualak.
Judy loved music and church. She loved spending time with her grandkids and going to the casino.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Mattie Cotton.

She leaves to cherish her memories forever: her two sons, James (Joann) Mays and Johnny Mays both of Omaha, NE; three sisters, Linda Matthew of Omaha, NE, Shirley Mays of Macon, MS, and Diane Mays of Jackson, MS; twenty-one grandchildren, fifty one great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.