Mary Jean Cottrill, lovingly known as Jeannie, 81, of Poca, West Virginia, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 29th.

She was born on June 19, 1944, in Huntington, West Virginia, to Helen and Charles Irvin. She attended Dunbar High School and went on to graduate from Marshall College, laying the foundation for a life devoted to service and care for others.

Jeannie shared a vibrant and joy-filled marriage with James Ray Cottrill, one rooted in love, excitement, and shared adventure. Their life together was filled with travel, races, and friendships. Though their time together was cut far too short by James’s passing, the marriage they built became a lasting foundation for a beautiful family and the generations that followed.

She spent her professional career as a registered nurse, most notably serving as a labor and delivery nurse at Thomas Memorial Hospital, bringing countless babies safely into the world and touching families’ lives with her compassion and dedication.

Alongside her career and family life, Jeannie embraced many roles that brought joy to those around her. She was a devoted homemaker, a talented wedding cake baker, and a beloved party host whose home was always a place of warmth and celebration. Known affectionately to nearly everyone she met as “Granny,” she had a way of making people feel instantly welcomed and deeply loved.

Jeannie played an active role as a team member of 52 Racing, proudly supporting her late eldest son’s circle track racing career. In her retired years, she continued to pour her heart into her family’s passions—spending countless hours in the football stands cheering on her grandson, sewing costumes, faithfully supporting Poca High School’s show choir programs for both her grandson and granddaughter, and attending every sporting event and musical performance her grandchildren were involved in.

A devoted woman of faith, Jeannie was an active and cherished member of Poca Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her presence, encouragement, and unwavering love played a prominent role in the lives of many, and she will be missed beyond measure.

Jeannie is survived by her son, James C. Cottrill (Linda); her grandchildren, Katelyn Paxton (Jacob) and Joseph Cottrill (Justina); and her soon-to-be great-grandson, Miles. She also leaves behind her sisters, Penny Jarvis and Connie Irvin.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her parents, Helen and Charles Irvin; and her eldest son, David A. Cottrill.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026 at Beale Chapel Cemetery in Apple Grove, WV, with services officiated by Jim Butcher.