Maudie Merle Starling

Maudie Merle Hayes (Cotten) Starling , age 97, peacefully slipped into Jesus’s arms on Monday, February 1, 2021, in Baytown TX.  Maudie was born December 22, 1923 to the late Maude and Dallas Hayes in Oberlin, Louisiana.

Maudie whom was also known as Mom, Maw Maw, Aunt Maudie, Ms. Maudie, and Sister Maudie, lived a lifetime of pure love and joy. She immensely loved God, her family, her friends and her church.   She was a devoted wife and mother to three boys but also worked as a full-time nurse.

Maudie was born and raised Pentecostal. She was a member of Peace Tabernacle and Harvest Temple (formerly known as Faith Temple) 60 plus years. She was also a Highlands resident for more than 70 years. She enjoyed spending time at Highlands’Community Center where she not only served on the board but was a member of their Pick and Grin band.  She loved playing her banjo and singing her little heart out.

Maudie was 1 of 12 children.  Though she will be missed here on earth, we can only imagine the greeting party she received upon entering the gates of Heaven.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Chester Cotten ,husband John Starling, son Michael Keith Cotten, Father Dallas Hayes, Mother Maude Park (Benbow) Hayes and 11 brothers and sisters aka “Hayes Clan”. She was survived by her son Weston G. Cotten and wife Delene Rogers Cotten, her son Weldon K. Cotten and wife Norma Houck Cotten. Grandchildren Carl Chester “Chet” Cotten and his wife Amber Cotten, ChrissaCotten Teel and her husband Bryan K. Teel II, Nathan Hayes Cotten and his wife Tara Cotten, Eryn C. Cotten and Alyssa B. Cotten. Great grandchildren Avery Cotten, Blayre Cotten, Hunter Teel, B.K. (Trip) Teel III, Dawn Cotten and Miracle Cotten.

Visitation Services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 5-7 pm at Sterling-White Cemetery located at 11011 Crosby Lynchburg Rd, Highlands, TX 77532.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 beginning at 10 am with the burial following immediately after in Big Sandy Cemetery in Dallardsville, TX.

Due to COVID19, the funeral home will be requiring anyone coming into the facility to wear face coverings and to practice social distancing. We are recommending minimizing the size of services to help ensure the safety of our families and staff.