Service Details
A Celebration of His Life will be held by his family on Monday, December 7, 2020 11:00am in the chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI. A public visitation will be in the chapel from 9:00 – 11:00am.
Due to the increased activity with the coronavirus pandemic only 25 people will be allowed in the building at a time during the visitation, you may be required to wait until others leave the building. Only 25 designated people will be allowed to remain in the building for the service. The State of Wisconsin mandates for the safety and security of all guests, that those in attendance are required to wear a face covering and observe social distancing requirements.
You may participate in the service via live stream.
We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
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Racine, WI – Ellis Wilbert Cotton, age 95, answered The Answer of His Loving Savior on Thursday, November 5, 2020 in Racine, Wisconsin.
Ellis W. Cotton, “COTTON” was born in Macon, Mississippi, to John A. And Mamie (nee: May) Cotton on July 13, 1925, the youngest of eleven. He confessed Christ at an early age at Salem United Methodist Church in Macon. He also attended school until the 8th grade.
On November 30, 1944, he decided to enlist in the U. S. Army, serving during World War II. Some of these years he spent in the Philippines. He was a member of the segregated all black 93rd Infantry Division. Cotton was honorably discharged on November 21, 1946. He was a member of American Legion Post 546 – Dorie Miller for 44 years.
In 1947, Cotton decided to migrate north to follow his sister in Racine, WI, to search for a better opportunity. And that he did, finding employment and starting a family all right on Racine Street. Cotton worked with J.I. Case Company for 40 years, starting in August 1947. During his tenure, his love for baseball lead him to coach the J.I. Case team to a championship. After retirement, Cotton continued to work various part-time jobs including a security guard for J.I. Case through Per Mar Security Systems.
On November 24, 1951, he married Dorothy Mae (nee: Hayslett), who he decided to be his wife the first time that he saw her. In this union three girls and three boys were born. Cotton now had his dream life.
Cotton was very faithful and dedicated member of Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church of Racine, WI; until his health failed. He served as an Usher and Steward.
Cotton loved his family. He had a heart full of gold, if he had it he will give it to you. Those who have visited 1735 Racine Street, he made sure you were fed. Cotton was an avid storyteller, he always had a great story to tell, “true story”.
Ellis leaves to cherish his dedicated children: Patricia (Johnny Davidson) Cotton, Theresa (Rance) Kendrick, Gregory Cotton, Karolyn (Grant) Dyess, Gary (Trina) Cotton, and Gerald (Ruth) Cotton Grandchildren: Shenelle (Keith) Waters, Sherice Ford, Kamira (Tyronn Dyess)Cotton, Tyerra (DeVontae) Payne, Sathina Gonzalez, Thelissa Cotton, Gerrod Cotton, Garren (Paula) Cotton, Rance Kendrick, Jr, and Kaleb Dyess. 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his lovely wife of 68 years, Dorothy Mae Cotton, his parents; John A. and Mamie Cotton; brothers, Charlie, Grover and Rufus; sisters, Betty Paulette, Sarah Perry, Edna Harmon, Johnnie Perry, Mary Bolton, Mamie Walker and Lola Glover.
A Celebration of His Life will be held by his family on Monday, December 7, 2020 11:00am in the chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI. A public visitation will be in the chapel from 9:00 – 11:00am.
Due to the increased activity with the coronavirus pandemic only 25 people will be allowed in the building at a time during the visitation, you may be required to wait until others leave the building. Only 25 designated people will be allowed to remain in the building for the service. The State of Wisconsin mandates for the safety and security of all guests, that those in attendance are required to wear a face covering and observe social distancing requirements.
You may participate in the service via live stream. Live stream Link https://youtu.be/BjwW4FMwXUY
We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Patricia and Robert Billups Jr. says
Condolences to the Cotton Family, we will keep you in our prayers. We love you.
Jerome & Lisa says
To the Cotton Family, Our deepest Sympathy and Prayers are with you all. God Bless. Love, Jerome & Lisa
Reverend David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says
To the Cotton family. You have our deepest condolences. Praying God’s strength and help to the entire family. I encourage you to treasure the blessedness of being, and having a strong family foundation. May God grant you peace. We are praying for you.
Cherry&Linda Campbell, [Kenosha) says
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you Pat and family members love you all🙏🙏🙏
Dorothy M Bizzle says
Sending my deepest condolences to family praying for strength an comfort in loss of your dad
Sheila N Grandy says
My deepest condolences to the Cotton family, mat God comfort you all during this time, 🙏🙏
Lynn Booker says
Our prayers to the Family of Mr. Cotton sorry for your loss may God continue to give you strength
and comfort .🙏🏽❤
The Booker Family
Stacey Moore & Family says
Sending our condolences to the Cotton family. May God comfort & strengthen each of you during this difficult time & the days to come.
Sylvia Dawkins says
My condolences to the Cotton family in the lost of their beloved father, grandfather and etc.
Sandra Trott & Family says
Please accept my condolences for the death of your father. Sending well wishes and prayers to all the Cotton family.
Wilma Hayes and Family says
My condolences to the family
Therita Bogan says
The Cotton Family Has My Deepest Condolences Greg Keep Your Head Up.
Gwen Thompson says
Sending my love and prayers
Margaret Sacotte and family says
My condolences and prayers stay strong and blessed.
Valencia Tucker says
To Pat Cotton and family y’all have my condolences in the lost of your loved one. (Father).
Phyllis Stills/Cannon Family says
My condolence Cotton Family for the loss of your father. Prayers to you all.
Anonymous says
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Cotton family. You are in our prayers . 🙏🏾
Willie Biles and family says
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Cotton family. You are in our prayers . 🙏🏾
Greg Butler says
My condolences to Gary and the entire Cotton family.
Karen Hawkins says
Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family. May God comfort you in the days to come.
Robert and Colleen Brazzell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cotton family during this most difficult and challenging time.
Paula Boykin and Family McKinney Family says
Sincere condolences to the family we are very sorry for your loss praying that God continues to strengthen you in the days to come sincerely the Boykin and McKinney families
Mary Ann Cannon says
My condolence to the Cotton family i am lost for words.
Carol Jones-Miks says
I am extending my Heartfelt Condolences to the entire Cotton Family over the Passing Of Your Father.
Jeffrey says
We extend our condolences to the Cotton family. We continue to keep the family lifted up in prayer. 🙏🏾
Aletha Kimmons Slaughter says
Our condolences to the Cotton Family
Praying for you all
The Kimmons Family
Joanne Powell & Family says
To the Cotton Family,
Words cannot adequately express how near and dear your family is to us. Our fathers were best friends and we can only imagine the pain you are feeling. We pray that you can find comfort in the legacy of your beloved parents and knowing that you are on our hearts and in our prayers.
May God’s love be with you.
Joanne Powell & Family
(Annette & Michelle)
Wanda Jeanene says
My condolences to the cotton family. Rest in heaven Mr. cotton
Greg and Maydell says
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences in the loss of Mr. Cotton.
In Sympathy.
Debra Baker says
Our Condolences to the Cotton Family. Sending thoughts and prayers to guide you through difficult time.
Baker Family
Joyce Butler-Smith says
To Pat and the entire Cotton family:
May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Joyce Butler-Smith
Hampton, GA
The Hooks and Hunter Family says
To the Cotton Family
We send our heart felt Condolences to each of you at this most difficult time. We will continue to lift you’ll in prayer.
Demetrius powell says
Sorry for your lost my condolences to the family may God comfort you and give you strength to get thorough this difficult time
Sharon Visor says
Our sympathy and condolences go to the entire Cotton Family. May you find peace and comfort in your love and wonderful memories. RIP Mr. Cotton.
The Johnson and Visor Family
Anonymous says
Our condolences to the Cotton family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Wally and Gwen Singleton says
Our condolences to the Cotton family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Patricia Cotton says
Thank you all so much, My Dad was 95 years old and he missed my mother, they are BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. May God bless and keep you.
Juanita Gardner Ford and Gardner family says
To the Cotton family, Our deepest sympathy for the lost of your father. May God continue to Bless and keep you
Sheila N Grandy says
Sorry for the loss of your father, may God comfort you all during this time
Brigit McNeal says
May God, our Heavenly Father, provide comfort and peace for the Cotton family during this time,
Anonymous says
My Condolences to The Cotton Family may God stay with you. Love Justine
Danette Barnes says
My condolences go out to the cotton family . Every time I would see mr cotton he would make me smile even laughing at times. All ways talking about the good old days. Take your rest mr cotton.
Vanessa Butler says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Cotton family.
Linda Ivy says
The Hinton, Hunter and Ivy family sends our condolences to your family, praying that God will heal your grieving hearts, and you find comfort and peace during your time of bereavement.
Letha Chattman says
Sending Love and prayers to the entire Cotton Family.
Look to the hills where all your strength comes from…it comes from the Lord!!
Amen
Denise Freeman says
To the Cotton family,
My heart is saddened. Mr. Cotton was a good man who loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you all now and forever. God will guide you through this difficult time. Rest peacefully in heaven , Mr. Cotton. You will not be forgotten.
Your daughter Theresa Cotton Kendrick says
To my Daddy no more pain no more suffering I know you were tired Daddy of “running “ that race and you did it for 95 years Thank you Jesus but now I know you are resting with your wife Dorothy Mae in heaven your heart was crushed when she made the transition from this earth after 68 years of marriage . I love you Daddy I love you Momma but God saw how tired you were and he said Come unto me and I will give you rest
Ossie & Yvonne Davidson says
Cotton Family you have our deepest sympathy in the passing of your father Ellis Cotton. We are praying for your family . Stay strong through this time heals heals.
Anonymous says
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
Jim ‘DOC’ Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Mary Flynn says
Sending love to Pat and your whole family, from your long ago office mate.
AREVELON TUNSTELL says
My Condolences To The Cotton Family, May God Be With Y’all.
The Blands and the Edmonson says
May god continue to bless sorry for your loss.
Ms. Debra Turner & Family says
Spending condolences to the Cotton family. May God continue too comfort you as you.
Cathy Jacyna says
My deepest sympathies to Shenelle and family.
Denise Mattox & The McGee Family says
Sending our deepest condolences to the Cotton family. Praying for strength and comfort in loss of the your dad. Mr. Cotton was and admirable and good man that loved his wife and children may he rest in peace.
Anita Boutwell says
I am praying for each and everyone of you. To lose a parent is one of the toughest challenges to go through, but the strong hand, strength, grace and love of God will sustain you. One day at a time.
Shirley Billingsley says
So sorry for your loss my condolences and prayers goes out to the entire Cotton family God bless and be with you all
Renee Hadley, Mpls Mn says
May God’s Love bring Peace and Comfort as you grieve.