Dolores Cotton

**Celebrating the Life of Dolores Cotton**

Dolores Cotton, age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Born on July 20, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of the late James Middleton and Hattie Houston.

Dolores Middleton was united in holy matrimony, to Mr. Shelly Ezell Cotton. Of this union three children were born: Anthony Cotton, Angela Cotton and Lovelle Cotton.

Dolores was a proud graduate of Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Her passion for education led her to a lifelong career with Chicago Public Schools. Over the span of more than 30 years, she served as a dedicated educator and advocate for students across several CPS institutions. She concluded her distinguished career at Harlem High School, located at 9652 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, where she retired after years of committed service.

A woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion, Dolores accepted Christ at a young age and remained an active member of her church throughout her life. Her spiritual strength guided her work in ministries supporting the homeless and those affected by trauma. She also provided compassionate support to individuals facing mental health challenges within the CPS system and beyond. Among the scriptures that sustained her were Isaiah 40:29-31, Psalm 46:1, and 2 Corinthians 12:9—verses she often shared with others during times of hardship.

Dolores lived in the Roseland/Pullman community for over five decades and was a steadfast presence in neighborhood initiatives. She volunteered tirelessly for causes close to her heart, including Election Day efforts, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and the Chicago Police Explorers program. Her commitment to service reflected her belief in uplifting others through action and faith.

She was also known for her zest for life beyond work and service. An avid international traveler and passionate foodie; Dolores delighted in exploring new cultures and cuisines. She had a deep appreciation for theatre and film and found joy in walking—often inviting visiting friends or family to join her on long strolls through the city she loved.

Dolores leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She is cherished by her son Mr. Anthony Cotton; daughter Mrs. Angela Cotton-Edwards and son-in-law SGM Steven A. Edwards Sr.; daughter Ms. Lovelle Cotton; grandchildren Tijuan Cotton, Kamron Coppage, and Heaven Jones; three great-grandchildren; Tekelia Felder, Tijuan Cotton Jr., Kanan Cotton as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and wisdom.

She now joins loved ones who preceded her in eternal rest: her beloved mother Ms. Hattie Middleton; sister Mrs. Lillian Daughrity and brother-in-law Mr. John Daughrity Sr.; uncle Mr. Napoleon Houston; aunt Mrs. Elisabeth “Lizzie” Houston; and aunt Ms. Claudia Houston.

In honoring Dolores’s life, we remember a woman whose faith never wavered, whose footsteps carried love into every corner of her world, and whose heart embraced all who knew her.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though she were dead, yet shall she live;
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” — St. John 11:25-26

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. Visitation will be held on February 6, 2026, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Leak & Sons Funeral 18400 S. Pulaski Rd. Country Club Hills, Illinois. The Wake will be held on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at New Faith Baptist Church International 25 S. Central Avenue, Matteson, Illinois Please remain respectful in the sanctuary. All services will start on time. A Funeral Service will be held on February 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at New Faith Baptist Church International 25 S. Central Avenue. Please remain respectful in the sanctuary. All services will started on time. A Interment will be held on February 7, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 01:30 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery 11500 S. Fairfield Ave. All services will start on time.
The Repast will be held at the Repast Room next door to Leak & Son Funeral Home on 18400 S. Pulaski Rd., Country Club Hills, Illinois directly after the Interment service.