Gena Cotton Carlan, age 60, of Lula, Georgia, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Born on September 6, 1965, in Haines City, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Jules “Jude” Cotton and Gloria Coker Cotton.
Gena was a devoted wife, mother, sister, “GeGe,” aunt, and friend. Her generous spirit and deep compassion touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a member of Grove Level Baptist Church in Maysville, Georgia.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sherry Cotton of Winter Haven, Florida.
She is survived by her loving husband, Eric Carlan; her children, Justin Andrew Cotton (Kayla) of Homer, Georgia, and Erika Brea Boyle (Jordan) of Lula; her sister and brother-in-law, Lisa Wade (Derek) of Homer, Georgia; her cherished grandsons, Clayton Hoyt Boyle and Carlan Jude Boyle; niece, Kelsey O’Bannon (Matt); along with other relatives and a host of friends.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Banks County Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Brent Lord officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
An online guest registry is available for the Carlan family at: www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
