Diane Fuller Cotton

Diane Cotton, 68, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026. Diane was born December 1, 1957 in Swisher, Texas to the late Billy Gene Fuller and Mary Stroman Fuller.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Education was her passion, and she served more that 40 years in the public school system. Most recently she served as the principal of Union Academy from 2013-2023. She loved children and worked to make sure that every child in Macon County had access to books, education and loving guidance. She was an active volunteer in the community and spent many hours leading the Read2Me foundation and also enjoyed working with the Friends of the Library and many other groups supporting her community.

She was a light to her students, coworkers, friends and to her own family, who she loved and served selflessly. She found great joy in cooking and baking for those she loved, and enjoyed spending every second she could with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Benjamin Cotton (Rachel); daughter, Hope McClure (Sam); son, Jesse Cotton (Rachel); and son Anthony Zari (Katie); ten grandchildren, Lily Cotton, Jack Cotton, Emily McClure, Brice McClure, Madaleine Cotton, Ashton Zari, Addison, Zari, Alexander Zari, Josiah Norris and Malachi Norris; four sisters, Elizabeth Drury, Kay Evans, Sue Turrell, and Reba Hargett; brother, Wayne Fuller; and her nephew, Brian Cotton (Sherry).

In addition to her parents Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Jack Cotton and a brother, Alton Belyeu.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Cotton family.