Delma Cotten Nicholson, 97, of Fuquay-Varina passed away on December 9, 2012, at Oakhill Assisted Living Center in Angier, N.C.

Delma was the daughter of Eldie and Lula Cotten of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., and the widow of Pryor Goode Nicholson. Delma was predeceased by her brothers Renno, Melvin, Benson, Bobby and Curtiss Cotten, and sister, Arlee C. Holleman, all of Fuquay-Varina, and two nieces, Sandra C. Lessard and Nancy Cotten.

She was a loving wife, sister and aunt to her family, and held Varina near to her heart. She was unofficially our matriarch, known for her straightforward wisdom friendly conversation, witty sense of humor, and spirit of determination. She faithfully served at Wake Chapel Christian Church in Fuquay-Varina until her health recently declined, loyally singing in the choir for decades. After high school graduation she attended King’s Business College and afterwards began working alongside her brothers at Cotten’s Furniture Company, where she was known for her decorating skills. She also served as secretary and treasurer of the company. She always strived for correctness and perfection whatever the undertaking. She spent her time sewing, enjoying her flowers and driving Miss Prissy, her beloved dog, around town.

The funeral services were held at Wake Chapel Christian Church in Fuquay-Varina, on December 11 at 3 p.m. Visitation was at 2 p.m. at the church immediately before the service. Visitation will be other times at the home of Briant and Frances Cotten. Burial was at Wake Chapel Cemetery.

Delma is survived by her brother, H. Briant Cotten and wife, Frances, of Fuquay-Varina, and her sister, Patricia C. Lloyd and husband, Maynard, Sr., of Winston-Salem; sisters-in-law Dorothy H. Cotten, Josephine L. Cotten, Sue S. Williams, Joyce S. Cotten and Geraldine S. Cotten; nieces and nephews, Jane H. Holland, Carol H. Fuquay, Beth Holleman, Rhonda C. Sugg, Jack Cotten, John Cotten, Jean C. Schnaak, Susan C. Faircloth, Holly C. Gardner, Jerome Cotten, Allan Cotten, Jeff Cotten, Chris Cotten, Sheilah Cotten, Charles Cotten, Marty Cotten, Kathy L. Hicks, Maynard Lloyd, Jr. and Michael Lloyd.

The family wishes to thank Delma’s many caregivers at Oakhill Assisted Living Center for their love and compassion over the last two years.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to Wake Chapel Christian Church’s Building Fund at WCCC, 905 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.