Marian Jean Hampton

Marian J. Hampton of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, just two days after her 81st birthday. She was born Marian Jean Cotton on September 23rd, 1944 to Joe Nathan Cotton and Waymon Gildey. Marian was a fun-loving person who always captivated the room with her smile, which will be truly missed.

Marian was born in Wetumpka, Alabama along with her seven siblings: Ruby Humpries, Willie Mae Baker, Collie R. Graham, Joe Nathan Cotton Jr., Henry Cotton, Ernest Davis, and her adopted sister/cousin Betty Johnson.

At a young age, Marian was given to her mother's sister Anne Jones and her husband Joe Jones, which she never understood, but all things happen for a reason. She was moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she spent her adolescent and young-adult life. Graduating from Northwestern High School, not shortly after she met the first love of her life, Harold Coleman. They had two children together: Harold M. Cotton and Tracey D. Cotton. Unfortunately, he was killed at a young age. Fortunately, she found love again upon meeting Myron (Butch) Hamilton, who moved her away to Indianapolis with his daughter Tonita Garrett, which she would embrace as her own. Together they had a son, Darryl Hamilton. The two raised them to young adulthood. 

Marian had a variety of jobs throughout her life, including time at Intenational Harvester, La Petite child care, Kmart, and even Community East Hospital where she spent the last days of her life, but she would always say her greatest job/accomplishment was her and Myron raising their children. She was always proud of them all. However, as life goes on, things do not always work out and they divorced. 

Several years later, she was lucky enough to find love again for what would be the last time with Charles Hampton, who she would spend the next thirty years with until his passing in 2021. There was truly a modern-day blending of the families with his children, Ken, Tonya, and Shawn Hampton, but especially with his sisters and brothers: Albert (Ethel) Hampton, William (Carolyn) Hampton, Helen Castle and Clentella Mclaughn and a multitude of nieces and nephews. They enjoyed many Circle City Classics, family reunions, and family road trips together. 

Throughout her life, Marian had many close friends, many here today and some that have preceded her in passing. If you are here, you know who you are, and she thanks you for being her friend.

Marian leaves many to cherish her memory, but the ones who will cherish it most are her children Harold M. Cotton, Tonita Garrett, Tracey D. Cotton, and Darryl Hamilton; her grandchildren Eric M. Cotton, Carl M. Cotton, Devin A. Hamilton, James (Trey) Garrett III, and Raleigh M. Hamilton; her lone surviving sibling Willie Moe Baker, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

But to all of you here, may your memory of her always be fond. Love each other today because tomorrow isn't promised.

Services for Marian will take place at Flanner Buchanan - Memorial Park (9350 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229). Marian’s funeral will begin Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at 1pm. Graveside services will follow.