Shirley B. Cothran

Aiken, SC - Shirley B. Cothran, 84, beloved wife of Robert E. (Bob) Cothran passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at her home.

     A native of Augusta, GA, Shirley was the daughter of the late Alfred and Mae Barnes.  She graduated from Williston-Elko High School in 1954 and went to work for Jones and Murph Surveyors as their Office Manager. 

     While shopping for shoes in the JB White’s store located in downtown Aiken, she caught the eye of a young Bob Cothran and six months later they were married on June 23, 1956.

     Shirley then dedicated her time to making a home for Bob and the two children they would have.  Shirley enjoyed playing on the Houndslake Country Club tennis team, was a charter member of the Aiken Junior Women’s Club, a former member of the Town & Country Club and modeled in their fashion shows, a loyal member of the Aiken Cotillion Club, Aiken Outing Club, and was a member of the Lunch Bunch, which was a monthly lunch group of some of her dearest friends.  Shirley enjoyed attending First Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for many years.  She also joyfully recalled volunteering to cook many suppers for the Sunday Night Youth Group.  Shirley also found great joy returning to work after the children were older for Julia’s Dress Shop in downtown Aiken owned by Ed and Genie Farmer.

     Shirley is preceded in death by her spouse of 64 years, Bob Cothran, her parents, and her brothers Lee Barnes and Paul Barnes.  Shirley is survived by her daughter Lynn C. Gleason (Larry), a son Robert A. (Al) Cothran (Kathy), grandson John Garrison (Emily), granddaughters Taylor Cothran and Madison Cothran, and great-granddaughters Kara Garrison and Austin Garrison, and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

     The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Jeremy Wells of Aiken Oncology, the staff of Dr. Ansermo Arthur of Carolina Heart and Vascular, the staff of Trinity Hospice of Aiken (especially Vindy and Ralph), and a special thank you to Latoya Jones of Daybreak Services.

     A graveside service will be held Thursday morning, June 24th at 10 o’clock at Historic Bethany Cemetery in Aiken, SC. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken (aikenpresbyterian.org) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). 

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC