Virginia "Ginny" Louise Cotner

Virginia “Ginny” Louise Cotner, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on September 14, 2026, in New Albany. She was born on April 21, 1951, in Crandall, Indiana.

Ginny was a graduate of New Albany High School. She attended Indiana University Southeast, where she earned her master’s degree in education. She spent a majority of her more than 30 year career teaching 5th grade at St. Mary of the Knobs, eventually retiring from Floyds Knobs Elementary. She touched the lives of many students and families through her long and faithful career in education and maintained relationships with many former students throughout her lifetime. While teaching she co-directed the choir at St. Mary of the Knobs School. In addition to teaching, Ginny served as a board member on the City of New Albany Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

Outside of her work and service, Ginny enjoyed many simple pleasures. She was an avid shopper who also loved working in her yard as well as those of others, playing the piano, listening to music, and watching her soap operas. These interests brought her joy throughout her life and reflected her warm and lively spirit.

Above all else, Ginny was a proud mother and grandmother. She treasured the time she spent with her family and friends, and those moments meant the most to her. Her love of pigs and M&Ms will be remembered by those who knew her best.

Ginny is survived by her daughters, Melissa Norwood and her husband Ryan, and Cheryl Bailey and her husband Todd; and by her granddaughter, Samantha Norwood. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Murrell Cotner. The family wishes to acknowledge and express heartfelt gratitude to special friends Bobby Cooper and Lisa Kadrovach, as well as the several others who helped provide exceptional care. Her family will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude, remembering the many ways she enriched their lives.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150. The funeral service will begin at 4:00 p.m. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Contributions in Ginny’s memory can be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library via the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation. https://www.nafcedfoundation.org/initiatives_posts/dollypartonlibrary/