Erma Dell Duryea Cotton, age 84 of Russellville, Arkansas (residing in Benton), passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022. She was born January 26, 1938 in Belleville, Arkansas to the late Dennis H. Duryea and Lula C. Grady. Erma was proceeded in death by her parents; one brother, David Duryea; one brother-in-law, Jim Bailey; and three sisters-in-law Jeannie Duryea, Pat White, and Paulette Whitley.

Erma was very talented, crafty, and caring. Being the oldest of six siblings she learned early on in her life how to care for others. She then transferred that caring spirit into her marriage at the age of 18 to her only husband Kenneth R. Cotton, Sr. After marrying she was a dedicated wife and worked as a beautician living in California for some time. After 10 years of marriage and moving back to Arkansas she became a mother for the first time and 6 years later with a second child. For the next 33 years Erma dedicated her life to her marriage and family and her community. She spent much of her time shuttling kids to and from sports practices and sleep overs, picking and canning her own food, and making the best sourdough bread on earth. Her personal interests included bowling, gardening, genealogy, working with the Home Extension Services, friendships, playing games and puzzles including Suduku, volunteering, crocheting, sewing, and crafting. After her divorce she returned to school and received an Associates Degree in business administration where she graduated summa cum laude. Some of the places she put these skills to work were the Arkansas Press Association, R&G Sloane, and ARVAC, Inc. One of Erma's most remembered experiences later in life was when she got to travel to both Canada and to France.

Erma was a friend to all. She was available to lend an ear to anyone at anytime. She had a brilliant smile and an infectious laugh. She loved her friends, family, and most of all her grandkids, those who where blood and those who where a bonus. She is loved and missed by many.

Survivors include: two children, Kenny Cotton (Mona) of Corpus Christi, Texas and Nikki Cotton (David Sasfai) of Bryant, Arkansas. Two brothers, James Duryea and Dennis Duryea (Janet) of Arkansas. Two sisters, Janie Frankhouse (Chuck) and Judy Moore (Rick) of Arkansas. Three grandchildren, Trey Cotton (Tifanie), Dade Arrington, and Sage Duncan. Four bonus grandchildren, Kasey Cho (Andrew), Taite DeVoe, Sydney Sasfai, and Dean Crone Fuller. Two sisters-in-law, Betty Duryea and Darlene Harris. One bonus daughter, Beth Crone. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the Dardanelle First Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be held Thursday, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church prior to the service. Burial will be private in Russell Cemetery in Belleville, Arkansas.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arkansas Single Parents Scholarship Fund https://www.aspsf.org/give-now . Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com .