Lillian Marjorie Banks Cottoms , 97, of Lignum, VA, transitioned peacefully at her residence on April 10, 2022, with family by her side. She was born on October 16, 1924, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia to the late Clifton and Ivory Beatrice Gibson Banks. She was seven out of fifteen children. On November 3, 1946, she married the late William "Bubby" Henry Cottoms, Jr. They were married for 54 years until his death. From this union, four children were born.

Mrs. Cottoms received her education in the Spotsylvania County school system. At an early age, she chose Jesus as her Savior and joined Zion Hill Baptist Church. She was baptized into the body of His believers under the Pastorate Harry Ellis, Sr. She attended and was active in several churches. While attending Zion Hill Baptist Church, she was a member of the Combined Gospel Choir, and Flower Guild and Beautification. While attending Pilgrim Baptist Church, she would sing with the Senior Choir and served as the choir secretary. While attending Ebenezer Baptist Church, she served as a primary teacher for the B.T.U and Sunday School, was a member of the Senior Choir and Women's Club, and a treasurer of the Junior Choir. While in Washington, DC, she was a watch care member of the Tenth Street Baptist Church. She enjoyed attending church so much, she would sometimes walk nine miles to get there.

While Mrs. Cottoms was residing in Lignum, she noticed the neighborhood children walking a mile to Maddensville school. She became a voice for the children and requested for the school board to create a bus route, which was implemented. She was a great cook and was known for her pound cakes, apple pies, and sweet potato pies. In 1941, she was employed at the Pentagon Cafeteria for 6.5 years. She worked as a domestic worker in Alexandria, VA, and for several families in Culpeper County. Majority of her career involved working as a cook and supervisor at Sheraton Motor Inn for 26.5 years, which led to her retirement. While at Sheraton, a dessert she created was named after her called "Angus Lil," and was placed on the menu.

Mrs. Cottoms was preceded in death by her husband William "Bubby" Henry Cottoms, Jr; her children William "Butch" Henry Cottoms, III and Naomi Cottoms; grandson Rodney Cottoms; and her siblings Elizabeth Banks, Fred Banks, Geraldine Banks, Kenwood Banks, Mabel Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Vincent Banks, Sylvester Banks, Inez Scott, Clifton Banks, Mercile Banks, and Mazie Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory, her two daughters and caregivers Jean Dobyns of Fredericksburg and LaVern Meney of Lignum; one brother Walter Banks; one sister Katherine Brown; two sisters-in-law Mary A. Banks and Vidella Banks; six grandchildren Ronald Banks, Jr, Shonda Bester (Clayton), Chaka Crews (Joshua), Brian Glascoe (Sabine), Julian Glascoe (Denise), and Kevin Seiger-Cottoms (Joey); six great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. The interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Cemetery.