Jann Marie Kott

In Loving Memory of Jann Marie Kott

December 8, 1948 – June 28, 2026

Jann Marie Kott, age 77, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away on June 28, 2026, following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Her courage and unfailing faith in the Lord throughout this journey will live on as her testimony and the cornerstone of her legacy.

Jann was a beautiful and unique soul who had a whimsical and creative side, with a fierce streak of independence and determination. Affectionally known as an “old hippie” by those who knew and loved her, her warm spirit and effervescence will be greatly missed and held dearly in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Survived by her son, Shawn Matthews (Kelly), two granddaughters, Kelsie Matthews and Madison Matthews, two great granddaughters, Cordelia “Junie” Slayton and Charlotte Cook, two sisters, Joy Emery and Joellyn Kott, sister-in-law, Easter Kott, nephews and nieces, her faithful cat, Willow, and her loyal dog, Penny. Predeceased by her father, Joseph Kott, mother, Jane Marie Scott, stepfather, Jerry Scott, brother, John Joseph Kott, and sister, Jennifer Dawn Saunders.

Jann was born in Newark, New Jersey, and spent much of her childhood in the Chicago, Illinois, area and her adult life in Nashville, Tennessee. For a period, she lived in California where she studied architecture and eventually made her home in Smyrna before moving to Cookeville, Tennessee. Her early career as an architectural draftsperson began at her father’s firm, Joe Kott & Associates, followed by employment with Gresham Smith, Gilleland & Associates, and eventually self-employment.

After remission from breast cancer in her early 30s, Jann chose to dedicate the remainder of her career to her true calling of becoming a nurse after earning her accreditation from local community colleges. She fulfilled her God-given purpose as a devoted, compassionate nurse until her retirement from Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary hospice caregivers with Caris Healthcare in Nashville who are all truly angels on earth. Their fondness for Jann was apparent, and we extend our thoughts to them as we know they are saddened by her passing. The family also wishes to extend their appreciation to Mulberry Health & Rehab in Franklin, Tennessee, for the excellent care they provided during her final days.

Of her many favorite Bible passages, Jann would want to be remembered by the Apostle Paul’s verse in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” May she rest in eternal peace in her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior.

There are no scheduled services, and the family asks that you remember Jann in your own special way. Any memorial gifts may be given toward the fight to cure childhood cancer through the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.