Wanda Holden 'Momma C' Cotton
The Clay County community continues to grieve following the tragic death of Wanda Holden Cotton, a longtime business owner, former nurse, public servant, devoted mother, grandmother and friend to countless people throughout the area.
According to information released by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Mission Hill Road shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 for a welfare check after Cotton, 58, failed to report to work at Parts City Auto Parts, where she was the owner and operator.
After receiving no response at the residence, deputies entered the home and discovered Cotton deceased from a gunshot wound. Also found deceased was David Dupriest Jr., 58, of Hayesville. Following a thorough investigation involving the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office, investigators have classified the incident as a murder-suicide. Investigators reported that evidence collected at the scene, along with interviews and medical examinations, led them to conclude that Dupriest fatally shot Cotton before turning the weapon on himself.
While the circumstances surrounding Cotton’s death are heartbreaking, those who knew her are choosing to focus on the remarkable life she lived and the countless people she touched along the way.
A proud 1984 graduate of Hayesville High School, Cotton dedicated much of her life to helping others. After graduation, she pursued a career in nursing, a profession that reflected her caring nature and her desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Whether caring for patients, helping friends or supporting family members, Cotton was always willing to put others before herself.
When she became a mother, however, her life’s focus shifted entirely to her children. Those closest to her say being a mom was the role she cherished most. Her children became the center of her world and that love only deepened when she became a grandmother.
Throughout the years, many of her sons’ friends often joked that she was a mother to them all. To many in the community she became affectionately known as “Mama C.”
She was never afraid to tell young people when they were doing something foolish, but she did so with love and concern. Many have shared that Cotton would let you know when you were wrong, but she never loved you any differently afterward. Her home, her heart and her support extended far beyond her immediate family.
Over the years, Wanda often spoke about the daughter she never had. Those closest to her knew that Kala Lange, her niece, held a special place in her heart and was considered by Cotton to be one of her own children. Just as she proudly bragged about her sons and grandchildren, Cotton frequently shared stories about Lange and the accomplishments she was making. Their bond was a testament to Cotton’s ability to create family through love rather than blood alone. To Cotton, family was not limited to relatives — it included the many people she welcomed into her life and loved unconditionally.
Her children and grandchildren were truly the loves of her life. Anyone who spent time with Cotton knows she was a proud mother and grandmother. It seemed that every conversation eventually led to a story about one of her children or grandchildren and something they had accomplished. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than talking about her family.
Cotton’s commitment to helping others extended beyond her family and career. She served on the Clay County Board of Education, where she worked to make a positive difference in the lives of local students. She believed deeply in the importance of education and always wanted to do her part to make life better for the children of Clay County.
In addition to her public service, Cotton was a familiar and beloved face through her ownership of Parts City Auto Parts. Customers frequently became friends and friends quickly became family. She treated everyone who walked through the door with kindness, respect and genuine interest.
Outside of work, Cotton loved life. She enjoyed antiquing and was always on the hunt for a unique treasure or a good bargain. Friends often joked that she could spot a great deal from a mile away. Whether browsing antique stores, spending time with family or simply enjoying the company of friends, she embraced every opportunity to create memories and have fun.
She was one of those people who seemed to leave a little sunshine wherever she went. Residents often smile when recalling a familiar sight around Hayesville — driving through town in her bright red Kia, happily bebopping along on her way to work, a community event or wherever the day happened to take her. It became one of those small but memorable things that people came to associate with her. Whether she was headed to Parts City Auto Parts, searching for her next antique treasure or spending time with family and friends, she always seemed to be on the move, enjoying life and making the most of every moment.
Those who knew her best remember her sense of humor just as much as her generosity. She loved to laugh, loved to joke and rarely went anywhere without a smile on her face. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable, welcomed and loved. She truly never met a stranger.
When asked about her favorite memory of Wanda, one longtime friend couldn’t help but smile before responding. “I can’t tell any of those memories,” she said with a laugh. “All I can say is I’m glad social media wasn’t around then.”
The comment brought laughter to those nearby and perfectly captured the fun-loving spirit that so many remember about Wanda. While countless stories may never be told publicly, they serve as reminders of a life well-lived and friendships that will last forever.
On Saturday, June 13, the community came together to honor Cotton’s memory during a candlelight vigil in Hayesville. It has been reported that more than 150 people attended, a testament to the impact she made on those around her. Family members, friends, co-workers, former classmates, customers and community members gathered to share memories, prayers, tears and support for each other.
Those in attendance spoke of Cotton's kindness, generosity, humor and unwavering friendship. For many, Cotton wasn’t simply a friend or business owner — she was family. Friends recalled how she welcomed everyone into her life and how anyone who walked through her door quickly became someone she cared about. Her ability to make people feel loved and valued was one of her greatest gifts.
As news of her passing spread across social media, tributes poured in from across the region. Among the most heartfelt was a message from her son, Jace Cotton, who wrote:
“Mom, I love you with all my heart and hope you enjoy the streets of gold. I will miss you every day until we’re together again.”
His words captured the heartbreak felt not only by Cotton’s family but by an entire community mourning the loss of a woman who touched so many lives.
The Clay County Progress extends its deepest condolences to Cotton’s family, friends, former co-workers, customers and all those whose lives she touched. During this difficult time, the community is encouraged to keep her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
While Cotton’s life ended in tragedy, those who knew her best hope she will be remembered not for the circumstances of her death, but for the way she lived. She was a caregiver, a nurse, business owner, school board member, mentor, friend, proud mother and grandmother and “Mama C” to so many.
Her legacy will live on through the lives she influenced, the children she helped guide, the friendships she built and the family she loved so deeply.
Cotton’s impact on Clay County will not soon be forgotten, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Cotton's life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 19 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4-5:50 p.m.