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ILLINOY COTMAN Obituary
CHRISTWELL, 104
Archer - Mother Illinoy Iceola Christwell Cotman, age 104, a native of Levy County, FL, passed away June 17, 2014 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Mother Cotman was a member of the NAACP, and Shiloh Baptist Church where she served on the Mother's Board. She was the oldest living descendant of the Township of Rosewood and the City of Archer, FL. Recognition as a Community Treasure resulted in August 9, 2013 being proclaimed "Illinoy Cotman Day". Mother Cotman was invited by the Mayor of Archer to place memorabilia and historical documents in the Archer Historical Museum. She received Honorary Certificates from President Barack Obama on her 100th and 103rd birthdays. Mother Cotman was also remembered for her dedication and service to the community by the Archer Library, which assigned a designated area in her honor.
Two grandchildren preceded her in death.
Mother Cotman is survived by her children, Harry Cotman, Jr., Williston, FL, Bobby Cotman (Jacquelyn), West Palm Beach, FL, Dr. H. Earl Cotman (Jacqueline), St. Petersburg, FL, Doris Cotman Brown, Tampa, FL; eight grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren.
Funeral Services for Mother Cotman will be held, 11:00am, Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church,17515 S.W. 147th Avenue, Archer, FL, 32618, Rev. W.C. Locke, Officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Chestnut Funeral Home, Inc., 18 N.W. 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601.
Mother Cotman will repose in the Chestnut Memorial Chapel on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 2:00pm until 4:30pm, and on Saturday at the Church from 10:00am until the hour of service. A Wake Service will be held Friday, June 27, 2014 from 5:30 until 7:30pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Family and friends are asked to meet on Saturday at the home of Mother Cotman at 10:00am to form the cortege.
"A CHESTNUT SERVICE"
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Memories and Condolences
for ILLINOY COTMAN
Sponsored by In loving memories of our Mother & Father; Doris, Harry Jr., Bobby, * Dr. H. Earl Cotman.
Doris Cotman Brown
July 22, 2025
Hi Mom: i pray you are having a good singing and praying and enjoying your Heavenly home. I know you know about me being sick the past 2-3 wks because i felt your presence as I usually do when i am not well. Thank God i feel a lot better today. Mom, how Dad,JR, Sandy, Mary snd and all the Family? Give them a hug for me. Wandra had a Birthday day last week. We are taking her out for dinner this Week end.Bill, kim,, William, Crystal, Little Crystal,james and Cristanna are doing good. James has two baby girls and little Cristal has three more baby girls. Ciara calls or come to see me often Wendy text me she is still working a lot of hours. Laci getting ready ti enter the Service and Alexsa is studying to be a nurse. Mom you know, with my illnesses, I cant go and do and clean like i did, Kim takes good care of me. If i am not able to drive, she takes me. She drives me ti Church on Sundays. Bill and Wandra help some when their schedule allow them to. Oh Mom i almost firgot tell you thst Kim bought another house since i last talked with you. It is closer to Tampa, better neighborhood, closer to stores, closer to Kim's work and a bigger house. I have my own area. Well Mom i guess i have brought you up on things, i must tell you how much i love and miss you. I still cry when i look at your pictures or read something you wrote me. Until next time, your only daughter, Doris
Bobby D and Jacquelyn
July 12, 2025
Hi Mom
Doris just reminded me that I have not signed the guest book so sorry for being late but that doesn't mean that iam not missing you dad, Sandra, and Harry Jr every day so give them a big hug for me and keep the biggest one you
Iam sorry to say Earl and I had to sell the cows they kept getting out.
So that is all for now mom ,
Love always
Bobby D. And Jacquelyn
P.s. happy Heavenly birthday to you and dad
R.I.H.P
Doris Cotman Brown
June 24, 2024
A letter to my Mom in heaven on her 10th anniversary in Heaven.
Dear Mom I know you are not in this world anymore, but my heart does not agree. Even though it has been 10 years, I still feel your presence I every moment of my life. I still hear your voice in my dreams and I still see your smile in my memories. When I am sick, I see you for a second, then I know everything is going to be alright. You were the best Mom anyone could ask for. You supported me in everything I did, even when I made mistakes. You cheered me up when I was sad, you comforted me when I was scars, and you celebrated with me when I was happy. You were my hero, my inspiration, my angel, you were everything to me and I miss you so very much.
Mom, we sold my house and bought another one that is larger. Kim is part owner. Mom my health has declined a lot. I have several medical problems . I am not able to do things in the house like cleaning and cooking every day. Kim is doing a good job taking care of everything. Wandra also help with my care and house work. You would be so proud of how they are helping me. Bill and Crystal help out when they can get over. Bill had some medical problems but by the grace of God he is well now.
Mom Ricky passed since I last wrote to you. Kim did all she could for him but he couldn't be saved. We all played a part in doing all we could for Ricky. We know he is in dog heaven now.
Mom, It has been 10 years since you went to live with the Lord, but it seems like yesterday. Every time I talk abou you, view your pictures, I get emotional and tears run down my cheeks. Give Daddy, Harry, Sandra,Mary and all my love and a big hug. I love you Mom and miss you so very much. I hurt inside for you not being here with me.
Your one and only daughter, Doris
Doris Brown
June 22, 2021
Good Morning Mom, today find me missing you as I have since you transitioned to heaven. Sometime I just look up and smile and say "I know that was you." Mom tears still fall freely from my eyes, when I look at your pictures, read your letters to me, or just discuss the wonderful times we spent together. Mom my heart still talk to you,my heart still looks for you, my soul know that you are at peace. Mom give my daddy a big hug for me. How is Junior? Kiss junior and Sandra for me. Ricky is still being taken good care of. We just went thru a Pandemic that everyone staying home and wearing mask. Mom until next time, I will continue to love you and miss you. Your only daughter,Doris
Bobby cotman
June 20, 2021
Dear mom still missing you so very much ,it have been 7, years since you been gone to your heavenly home with the Lord.
You have dad, Sandra, and Harry Jr. There with you, I know you'll have a lots of good things to talk about with Lord ,and savior Jesus Crist.
Give Dad, Sandra, and Jr. A big hug for me . Loving ❤ and missing you'll always ( R.I.H.P.)
Bobby and Jacky
Bobby and Jacquelyn Cotman
June 23, 2019
17 June 2019
Dear mom I miss you so much. I cannot believe that today Mark's five years that you have been gone to live with the Lord, so many things have changed so many things I could tell you. But one thing that stands out in my mind is your life, made a difference in mine.
The godly example that you set for me to follow while you were here, is still leading me today. And that example of faith that you showed in your last months on thus earth, has touched not only my heart but many others .you have set my mind on heavenly things. You helped to change my perspective on what really matters most in this life, and I am for ever grateful. I am still amazed at how blessed we all felt doing such a difficult time. And I am amazed even more by all the blessings that God has sent down on our family ever since you have gone to heaven. And then it dawned on me mom,you were the blessing .
Give Dad, and Sandra,my love and may you all R.l.H.P.
Your Son Bobby
Myrtle Graham
June 20, 2019
I think of Mother often. She was one of the most loving and approachable people I have met. I continuously miss her on an ongoing basis. Her love for her children, grandchildren and other family was unsurpassed. Her family and I love her,but God loved her more.
Doris Brown
June 17, 2017
I miss you Mom. A thousand words could not bring you back-------I know because I tried.
A thousand tears could not bring you back-----I know because I tried.
I really miss you Mom. I miss you so much Mom, although your soul is at rest, and your body free from pain. The world would be like heaven if I had you back again.
You are always in my thoughts, no matter where I go, always in my heart, because I loved you so much.
However long my life might last, whatever land I view, whatever joy are grief is mine, I still include you. I really miss you Mom and love you more. Please give Dad, Sandy, Mary, Cindy, and Cap Brown a big hug for me.
Three Generations
Kim Brown
June 17, 2017
Grandma, Thinking of you today and everyday Miss my cruise buddy and our talks. Thanks for being a shining example of what a strong black woman should be. Thanks for teaching me how important family is and that we should always cherish our time together. We are taking care of Ricky and heaping lots of love on him like you would do. Love you and miss you so much.
Ciara Foreman
May 22, 2017
Grandma i miss you so much i wish you were still here i looked you up once on the computer i couldnt go to lunch because i was crying so much i hope you are having a good time in heaven with ma and everyone else i love you so much rest in paradise grandma.(cant wait for us to meet again)
Denise Albritton
August 25, 2015
In honor of Grandma Cotman, it's been a little more than a year ago since you went home to paradise and reunited with Grandpa Harry and my sister Sandra and other family members. You all will continue to be loved and missed always. Grandma was the most loving matriarch, a beautiful example of a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother and friend. As a child I didn't say much, but I watched, listened and learned. I aspire and hope to be able to live a life set by the legacy you left. Always loved, forever missed, Denise Cotman Albritton
Bobby & Jacquelyn Cotman
August 8, 2015
Aug 9/2015
On behalf of my Father and Mother Harry and Illinoy Cotman,who are together again with GOD in Heavens.
We remember and honor their lives on their Birthday,DAD Aug 6 and Mom AUG 9,We wish them a very Blessed and memorable "Happy Birthday"and know they are forever with us. Their loving memories will remain in our hearts forever and always. "AS EVER LOVE"
YOUR SON BOBBY AND JACQUELYN COTMAN
BOBBY COTMAN
June 19, 2015
IN LOVIG MEMORIES OF MY PARENTS HARRY & ILLINOY COTMAN, I WILL FOREEVER LOVE AND KEEP IN MY HEART.
P.S. AND MY DAUGTHER SANDRA
Bobby Cotman
June 17, 2015
06/17/2015
SPECIAL LETTER TO MY MOTHER:
Mom I just want to let you know how much I miss you; calling you every Sunday and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for the past 40+ years; your advice on so many things. especially the ranch and care of the cows. On Sunday when we talked you would say what did you do to day; did you go to church; I would say I have not been going as much since my daughter, passed. She told me may be I go back to Grace Episcopal Church.
Most of all I miss felling your love, you did not have to say it but I felt it. Mom I miss and love you much that words can not express. I know that you are with God, that you and Dad are together again , along with my lovely daughter, Sandra. All I can say is I love you all so much, through life & death and forever. May God keep you in his loving arms until we meet again. Your loving son, Bobby
p.s. Psalms Ch. 121:7 The LORD shell preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
,
J. LeRoy & Arlene Darby
June 29, 2014
We remember meeting Ms. Illinoy during the reunion in Cocoa Beach and was astonished to learn of her 90 plus years at that time. What an awesome lady and accomplished pioneer. The heritage she developed will extend throughout the years. God bless you all.
Asha E-T
June 28, 2014
Sleep soundly, Ms. Illinoy!
-Asha Ellison Tunsil
Rosa Brown Rutledge
June 27, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Derrick & Patricia Cotman
June 27, 2014
Wow what a great celebration, a beautiful HOMECOMING!
Mother Cotman will be greatly missed. To the family, our prayers go out to each one of you.
Derrick & Patricia Cotman, Jacksonville Fl.
Myrtle Graham
June 26, 2014
Mother will be missed by all of us. My prayers and thoughts are with each of you. May God continue to bless and keep each of you.
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