Published on September 1, 2026 2:42 pm
Last Updated on September 1, 2026 3:34 pm
Ava J. Cothran, 68, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 at SSM St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Ava was born on March 13, 1958 in Effingham, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth (Smith) Williamson. She married David Cothran on June 30, 2001, and he survives. David and Ava enjoyed many happy years together travelling to new places whenever they could. Ava ran a licensed in-home day care for many years, always considering those she cared for as extended family. She also often cared for her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren too. Music was her passion. She sang with the Sacred Heart Trio on special occasions. Ava always kept her home decorated for the seasons, especially at Christmas. A tree for every room with the living room tree being the centerpiece not a branch left untouched. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grammy, GiGi,
aunt, and true friend to many and will be forever cherished in our hearts.
Ava is survived by her husband, David Cothran of Effingham; son Rex (Tammy) Buchanan; step-children, Michael Cothran, Marissa (Tom) Palmer, and Matthew Cothran, all of Effingham; sisters, Jill Swingler, Bea (Dave) Wendte of Effingham, Lora Williamson of Springfield, Jody Williamson of Chicago; brother, Joe (Danette) Williamson of Effingham; grandchildren, Seth, Abby, and Connor Cothran, Aidan, Mia, and Oliver Palmer, Anthony, Bryante (Karie) and Cheyenne Downey; great-grandchildren, Willow, Brooklyn, Bentlee, William, and Violette; and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Ruth Williamson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willard and Barbara Cothran; brother-in-law, David Swingler; and grandchildren, Katelynn and Wilson Palmer.