Gwendolyn Diane Cotton-Sanner

Gwendolyn Diane Cotton-Sanner, lovingly known as Diane, was born to Rev. Pyis Cotton and Lillian Cotton in Rolling Fork, Mississippi on August 10th, 1951. The family relocated to Chicago Heights, Illinois when Gwen was 5 years old. She was baptized at the age of 11 years old in 1962 at St. Bethel Baptist Church in Chicago Heights. Gwen attended and graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1969. After high school, she ambitiously started her career at the Cook County Board of Elections before going on to work her lifelong career at The University of Chicago as a secretary in the career and development department. Gwens ambition continued when she purchased her first home in Park Forest, Illinois for herself and beloved Mother, Lillian, at the age of 21 years old. She remained a resident of Park Forest for 35 years, where she was known for her award winning gardens. She brought her first daughter Laschon Cotton into the world in 1972, followed by daughter Lori Cotton in 1981, then her only son and youngest child Kevin Fields in 1988. Gwen retired from The University of Chicago in 1994 to take on a new career path, full time Grandmother, for her daughter Laschons' children, Denae Cotton born in 1995 and Cameron Cotton born in 1999. Her dear father, Rev. Pyis Cotton, preceded her in death in 2003. Confirming her childrens running joke that she somehow managed to run into someone she knew at the grocery store, Gwen found love in childhood friend, Kerwin Earl Sanner. They wed on January 29th, 2005. Gwens beloved mother, Lillian Cotton, who she cared for in sickness, preceded her in death in 2007. In 2008, Gwen, Kerwin and Kevin embarked on a new chapter in life together by relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. Kerwin and Gwen spent 15 years together until he preceded her in death in 2018. Gwen loved spending time with her family, whether it was laughing, dancing, updating them on the latest pop culture news, sports highlights or life advice. She was never too busy to talk with her children, grandchildren or friends about any topic-any time of the day. She was known for being a light for everyone she came in contact with, her funny stories, contagious laugh, jazzy diva style, classy demeanor, wisdom and being just as quick to offer you a genuine smile as she was to tell you exactly how she felt. Always putting the Lord first was what Gwen was known for most. She never hesitated in professing the Lord's name, whether offering words of encouragement or sharing her testimony of recovering from brain surgery after a near fatal aneurysm in 2015. While her health was miraculously restored after her aneurysm, she began to experience chronic health issues in 2019. This is when family, friends and even doctors truly saw the strength, courage, fight and determination that defined who Gwen was in her time of sickness. Even during her pain, she remained in high spirits and continuously expressed her favorite saying to "let go and let God". She was a living testimony of her unshakable faith that led her to rely on God in every circumstance. Her illness made her walk with Christ even stronger as she spent her time listening to worship music, watching sermons and reading the bible. Gwen was peacefully called home on June 2nd, 2020 with her children by her side. She leaves behind daughters LaSchon and Lori Cotton, son Kevin Fields, grandchildren Denae and Cameron Cotton, brother Sam Lewis, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins, family and friends. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.