He received his formative education in Dumas, AR through attending school at A.L. Reed which is now the Dumas School District and was a member of the Graduating Class of 1967. He furthered his education by receiving many secular certifications in Welding and Plant Engineering from Great Rivers Vo-Tech in McGehee (now the University of Arkansas). Reverend Cotton was very skillful and gifted in knowledge of repairing any piece of equipment that God put in his path! He received an Associate Degree in Bible Ministry & Pastoral Education in 1997 from Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock and a Bachelors of Ministry Degree in 2017 from Revelation Bible College in Jacksonville, Florida.
Reverend Cotton previously pastored Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church in Dermott, AR, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Dewitt, AR, Bold Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in McGehee, AR and was the current pastor of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Dermott, AR. He was a member of the Saint Peter's Rock Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Larry D. Alexander where he served as an Associate Minister and Teacher of the Adult Men Sunday School Class. He also served as President of the Southeast District Missionary Baptist Ministers & Deacons Union for many years and through this he became a teacher for many ministers in Bible Theology.
He was an employee of the Sunbeam Corporation, Hussman Corporation and retired with over 20+ years of services with Lear Corporation in Dumas, AR. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Roosevelt King and two sisters - Inez Floyd and Lovie Frazier.
He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and devoted wife of fifty-four years, Judy Page Cotton; two sons, Barren Cotton of Winchester, AR and Shannon Cotton of Milwaukee, Wl; a grandson, Darrion Cotton of Reed, AR; one brother, Troy Cotton of Conway, AR; two sisters, Octavia Brooks of Rogers, AR and Joyce Horn of Cincinnati, OH; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Peter's Rock Church in Dumas, AR with Rev. Larry D. Alexander officiating. There will be a visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday evening at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, AR. Burial will be in New Light Cemetery in Winchester, AR. You can sign Rev. Cotton's guestbook registry here on his page.
Condolences(5)
Gwendolyn Joyner Duncan
Dewitt, AR Saturday, August 30, 2025 It was a true blessing to have met & known the Cotton family.May the Lord give you'll peace & confort in your time of healing.Joyce Horn
Cincinnati, OH Friday, August 29, 2025 My heart is broken,I’m so sorry that I was not able to say goodbye to you my health would not allow me to come but you would know that. You was a true soldier in the army of God and I know your soul is with our Father (RIP) big brotherTheresa Abraham
Pooler, GA Thursday, August 28, 2025 Reverend Cotton,May your soul rest in eternal peace. Your kind heart and godly spirit will forever be a treasured memory for all who knew you. Deep gratitude is expressed for the honor of having been guided by your ministry. Your work on this earth is now complete, and you can now rest in the arms of the Lord."
Rest in Peace.
Dr. Theresa Abraham Ph.D.
Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 28, 2025 Prayers to this family I have known all my life. We have always been neighbors growing up. Proud of the work he did in the Southeast District. A faithful servant to the end.Charles & Jacquelyne Bynum
Portland, AR Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Praying for strength for the family at this difficult time 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿