Alice Elizabeth (Libby) Ann Cotton Aldred, beloved wife, mother, sister, grand and great-grand parent died Sunday June 30, 2024 at her home in Florence, AL surrounded by love. Libby was born November 4, 1930 in Columbia, Tennessee to the late Thomas Haynes Cotton and Gladys Fay Spinks Cotton. There she graduated from Columbia Central High School and went on to college in Chattanooga. She met the dashing John Aldred, a cadet at Columbia Military Academy on a blind date. They married in 1953 in a whirlwind ceremony in Iuka, Mississippi. That love spanned over 60 years and survived many ups and downs— two diagnoses with stage 4 cancer, emergency surgeries, dementia and loved ones lost. She was so very strong through it all and held her family together while still reaching out to others. Libby was truly a testimonial of faith. From a child’s perspective, she was just mom but as adults, her children collectively marveled at her strength, perseverance, and fearless dedication to family. Although she could be stubborn, she was loving and affectionate. Ask the grand and great-grandkids what comes to mind when they think of Granny (Darney to the younger grandchildren)— a sweet, forgiving, wonderful cook who could teach you card games, work jigsaw puzzles, and annihilate you playing Pac Man all in one evening. Libby also loved the out of doors and gardening. That love has trickled down throughout family members and is such a joy to see sustained. The beautiful colored flowers all over her property, shade trees, and birds by the dozens are a testament to one of her greatest passions. Most of all, just sitting on the front porch talking about anything and everything or finding peace in the quiet stillness— those are such special moments we will treasure forever. Although she retired from Bell South, the job she took the most pride in was raising her children. She considered that the grand accomplishment of her beautiful life. Libby is survived by her children: Jamie Moody, Mike Aldred, and Mark Aldred (Lisa). Eight grandchildren: Amanda Cordero (Luis), Nicholas Moody (Misty), Jason Aldred (Lindsey), Justin Aldred (Chelsea) Adam Aldred (Chelcie), Andrea Aldred, Hunter Aldred (Addison), Ryan Aldred and ten great-grandchildren. Libby was preceded in death by her late husband John Reese Aldred as well as her first-born son, Don Reese Aldred. Siblings: Fay Ray McMurray, Margarite Truelove, Haynes Cotton, and Leah Abernathy. Visitation will be Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 10-12 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Richard Parker officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
