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 8 ^th 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 93 ^rd 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.

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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