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3969 Mercer University Drive
Macon, Georgia
Bishop Cotton Obituary
Sept. 24, 1938 - Jan. 31, 2014
Macon , GA- Homegoing Services for the Honorable Bishop J. L. Cotton who took flight to be with his Heavenly Father, will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Beulahland Bible Church, 1010 Newberg Avenue, Macon, Georgia with interment in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.
A Celebratory Wake and Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. at Greater Overcoming Church of God, 1708 Third Street, Macon, Georgia.
Bishop Cotton was Pastor of Greater Overcoming Church for 46 years and owner of Saint Cotton Southern Cafeteria. Bishop Cotton has touched so many lives, a man of Faith and a man of order, church was his life.
One son; Cavillie (Shandra) Cotton preceded him in death. Bishop leaves to cherish his memories: A devoted, loving wife; Mother Geraldine R. Cotton; children, Ms. Voncile Cotton, Prophetess Shawanna (Apostle David) Holt, Evangelist Shalandria C. Broach of Locust Grove, Evangelist Pamela Duncan, Mr. Larry (Sheila) Cotton, Minister John L. (Cherri) Cotton, Jr., Bishop Ronnie L. (Lady Deirtre) Cotton, Mr. Albert (Julia) Mitchell of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves eight brothers and wives and two sisters and husbands; thirty-one grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Family contact: 3741 Dreyfus Drive, Macon, GA. Bentley & Sons Funeral Home, Macon, GA has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bishop Cotton
Marcus Hayes
April 26, 2024
Bishop J. L. Cotton was an blessed, saved/sanctified, Holy Ghost, and an anointed Man of God.
*I loved listening to his church ministry every Saturday night at 10:30pm on TV.
*He has really blessed me over the years.
*I did get an chance to play the organ at his church.
*I used to eat his beloved restaurant also.
*I used to take care of Mother Geraldine R. Cotton's Father.
*It's well with my soul."
Sleep on, Bishop J. L. Cott
July 30, 2014
I'm so sorry. I didn't know Bishop had passed. A Great man has gone home to be with the Lord.
From Dr. L.M. McRae & Family
Khaleelah Muhammad
February 20, 2014
Condolences to the Bishop's family. He will be missed by so many.
February 13, 2014
Our condolences are with y'all. Didn.t know Bishop took wings of a morning dove until today. We are very elated to have been blessed by him down through the years.
Chief Apostle Barry&
Prophetess
Celeste Williams of Tifton Georgia by way of Dublin Georgia
Nichole Harp
February 10, 2014
My prayers are with you and your family.
February 10, 2014
What a great loss.But What a great Heavenly gain !
February 10, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the transitioning of Bishop Cotton. My husband, the late Overseer Aaron used to go and hear him preach. He was a no-nonsense man of God.He preached the Word of God, uncomprised. My prayers are with his wife and the family. I know your pain, but know this that there is no pain that heaven can't heal. Love Y'all !
Evangelist B. SNIPES
rafael jackson
February 10, 2014
Bishop cotton will always b remembered. May the lord keep u all in his loving care. Jesus cares ( the Lem family )
Estralita Brown
February 10, 2014
To Easter Lilly and Family;
Know that you are in my prayers for losing your Father. May God Bless you during this time and forever hold you in his hands.
The Kitchen Family
February 10, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. God knows what is best in our life. He will heal the broken hearted.
Janet Tisdol
February 10, 2014
I will miss you Bishop. I am thankful to God for allowing me to know you. Heaven has reclaimed a great general!!!
Tammy Ward
February 8, 2014
My thoughts are with you in your time of need.God Bless you and your family from ours.Tammy Ward and family.
Dr. Beverly Tolbert Fitzhugh
February 8, 2014
My condolences to the family. Bishop was a great man of God. It is my prayer that God will continue to strengthen you and keep you in His care during this time. May God continue to bless you all as you so richly deserve.
Patricia Gainer
February 8, 2014
To the Cotton Family: My Condolences to you and May God continue to reign his Blessings upon your entire family. I attended Bishop Cotton's Church as a young girl and developed my love for good choir singing. I will always remember his Church as my introduction into appreciating receiving and giving Ministry through music, even though I didn't know it at the time. Thank you Bishop Cotton. Rest in Peace.
Stephanie Whitehead
February 8, 2014
Peace and continued blessings to the Overcoming Church andthe Cotton family. Bishop's legacy will live on.
Gloria Dixon
February 8, 2014
Bishop Cotton will never be forgotten; God's grace will be with the Cotton family always.
Shelia Walker & Family
February 8, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
February 8, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Warren Dixon
February 8, 2014
The Grace of God will be with Bishop John Lester Cotton family for ever and ever.
The Dixon Family
Kedrick P. Collins
February 8, 2014
My sympathy go out to the cotton family may God keep His loving arms around you.
LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED.
WITH LOVE. Rev. K.P. Collins
Bessie and the late Gordon Perkins
February 8, 2014
A thousand times we needed you , A thousand times we cried , It love alone could have saved you , you never would have died. One life can be measured by those you leaves behind.That smile that could always bring me to my knees , I appreciate you in a way that a handshake and or gift itsn't able to , You prayed and stayed , you lifted me even higher and fill my heart with joy , you listened to my prayers, you taught me to have faith and you'll have blessings more than you can know. If I could write a story , it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving pastor you were , who had a heart of gold. God has took it to another level , God has broke our hearts to prove he only took the best , never a day goes by that you're not in my heart and my soul....... To Mother, Children , Grandchildren , and the entirely cotton family may God continue to love and bless your family
February 8, 2014
Mother Cotton and family,
You all have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I learned of Bishop's Homegoing. I loved fellowshiping with Greater Overcoming years ago while serving under the leadership of Bishop B.L. James. The convocations were so highly anointed! Although Bishop Cotton was a man of renown, what amazed me was that he was always so touchable. Be encouraged!
Minister Oscar C. Gregg III
Rona BARGIE
February 7, 2014
Deepest sympathy
Cherrie C Fed
February 7, 2014
I would like to extend my sympathy and my prayers to the Cotton Family. God has called a great leader home. The teaching, discipline & the leadership that he left behind on others, he want be forgotten. Just remember when you see the next generation come aboard from the leadership of this man of God, you will then understand it. He is truly a legacy. I will miss you Bishop. We love you.
Robyn Phinazee
February 7, 2014
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Melissa Haney
February 7, 2014
I grew up going to Overcoming. This is a sad but joyous time. We have lost an earthly man of God but we should rejoice in knowing he is with the Father.
Sen. David & Commissioner Elaine Lucas & Family
February 7, 2014
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of this great religious leader. Our prayers are with you all at this most difficult timid.
February 7, 2014
My thought and prayers are with you all. Be Strong. We love you
Pastor Barbara (Gooden) Jackson
February 7, 2014
I would like to extend my sympathy and my prayers to the Cotton family in your time of loss. Bishop Cotton was a great man of faith and power. A great man of God. He will leave a great legacy and you should be confident in knowing that he lived according to the Word and the will of God.
February 7, 2014
TO the Cotton family You are in our prayer we love you. Bishop was a man I know who loved god and the church, it was a honor for me to sit under his leadership the time I was in the Overcoming Church. I could always hear bishop saying " ITS TIME TO TAKE DOWN NOW" Bishop we will miss you.
The Clark Family
February 7, 2014
I extend my condolences to the Cotton Family my prayers are with you. The memories of us singing together on Henry Street back in the day.
February 7, 2014
Pam,
May God continue to love and bless your family. I will always remember when my husband was hurt and you and your family prepare dinner. Charlotte & George Howard/Care South.
February 7, 2014
TO THE FAMILY,
I AM A FAN OF THE COTTON'S BROTHERS AND I WATCHED BISHOP PREACH ON TV AND I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY.
SIS. HARRIET S.BROWN
MACON, GEORGIA
Marvin & Catherine Brown, Sr.
February 7, 2014
To the Cotton Family.
Our prayers are with at this time. Bishop will truly be miss. Be bless.
JONES BRENDA
February 7, 2014
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
Yvette Love Lee
February 7, 2014
To The Cotton Family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bishop, you fought a good fight, Rest In Peace until we meet again.
February 7, 2014
God be with the family. i know several of them and truly love them over the past 19 years. Thomas and Vicki Crow
Sameria Rogers
February 7, 2014
Keep your head up Mother Cotton just think about the good things bishop has done and just remember his spirit is still surrounding you but the lord has took the body in his hands. Love you and you are in my prayers. Its going to get better son just let God handle it
Sameria Rogers
February 7, 2014
No one knows what he/she has until its gone.It is so hard to believe you have gone home to be with our Lord.But to just know he is not suffering bishop doesn't have cancer anymore God has wipe all his sickness away into the hands of the lord. Bishop is gone but is NEVER forgotten.Hopefully when its time for God to take me home I will see you soon in heaven and beable to say a few words to you just as if you was standing next to me. My prayers goes out to the Cottons and the Greater Overcoming church family.God bless each body.
February 7, 2014
To Mother Geraldine Cotton and family, my PRAYERS goes out to all of you during your time of brevement. Psalm 8:1 tells us: O LORD, our Lord how excellent is your name in all the earth. Who have set your glory above the heavens. My prayer is the LORD continue to strength each of you.
Doris Rutherford
Deborah Hill
February 7, 2014
Auntie Geraldine and family, my heart and thoughtfulness goes out to you. You been my extended family since I was a little girl. You're in my prayers.
lisa hill
February 7, 2014
I remember back when we was young children and my mom brought us to his church, I always founded joy and peace there. God keep you closer at this time in your life. So so sorry for your loss. We will truly miss him. From my family to yours, my mom Katie Hill have always thought of you as family. We love you all.
Lisa Hill and Family.
Lewis Gardner
February 7, 2014
You will be truly missed!!
February 6, 2014
Truly will be missed. One of the greats preach I've heard.
HATTIE WASH
February 6, 2014
MAY THIS LIGHT LEAD YOU TO YOUR FATHER. I LOVE YOU
frank young
February 6, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
dione spivey
February 6, 2014
rip bishop cotton. you were a great man. may God keep you & your family
Neita & Jessie Scott
February 6, 2014
Our prayers are with you as you go through.
Vasquez (Quez) Hart
February 6, 2014
Blessings and Prayers for Cotton Family
Carol Spain
February 6, 2014
Our prayers are with you all.
Rev. Henry Spain
JACKIE HILL-INGRAM
February 6, 2014
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. THE LIGHTHOUSE OF NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH FAMILY WITH BISHOP CLAY AND PASTOR JACKIE HILL-INGRAM OF EASTMAN, GA.
BOBBY &LOLA STRANGE
February 6, 2014
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!
Patrice Thomas-Woodard
February 6, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cheryl Stewart
February 6, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Brenda Shannon and Family
February 6, 2014
Mother Geraldine and the Cotton Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort each of you during this difficult time.
Benjamin " Buster " Veal & Family
February 6, 2014
The Infamous,"walking man" Bishop Cotton, of Greater Overcoming Church of God & St.Cottons,has made his final steps here on earth and is now being carried by God's Angels!!!! May God be with the family and all of us during this bereavement time!
Elaine Hargrove- Adams
February 6, 2014
With Heartfelt Condolences
during your time of lost.
gustavus bonner
February 6, 2014
To the family of bishop jl cotton so sorry for your lost but god is in control bishop cotton was a loveing man the heaven is rejoice you all in my prayers
Evg.Bettye Owens
February 6, 2014
Bishop, I can hear you saying daughter "stand" I'm so thankful you not only preached Jesus but you walked what you preached Thanks so much for your guidance you're missed already.
Cynthia Cotton
February 6, 2014
Uncle you instilled in me to be a God fearing woman. Gone but never forgotten. Love you.
Apostle Adam & 1st Lady Latha Mitchell III
February 6, 2014
On the other side of Jordan that's home..Mother Cotton & Family & Greater Overcoming you are in our prayers. Bishop Cotton-A mighty man with a mighty legacy.
Geraldine Paul-Polite
February 6, 2014
To the Cotton family you have our deepest condolences and may God Bless you in a time like this. Just look to the hill from whence cometh your help.
Our prayers are with you all from the Paul, Boone, and Polite families.
February 6, 2014
May God be with the family and may Bishod Rest in Peace.
Brenda and William McBride ( Atlanta, GA)
Gladis C Whiters & Family
February 6, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mr. Carlos & Mrs. Octavia Harden & Family
February 6, 2014
TO THE COTTON FAMILY: On behalf of The Harden Family we want to send our deepest sincerest sympathy to his wife, children, other family members, and his entire church family. We are so sorry for your lost, we know it is hard to loss someone you love but just remember the great memories you all had with him. Just remember to keep your head up and keep him in your heart and he may be gone home to be with his king but he will never be forgotten. May GOD bless you all in this time of sorrow. Love always!!
Betty johnson
February 6, 2014
Will never forget you and all that you did for me and my family. I pray God will hold us up as we say goodbye
February 6, 2014
Our Prayers and Condolences to the Cotton Family and the Overcoming Church Family.
Pastor Johnny Ross and the Revival Tabernacle Church Family (Macon, Ga.)
February 6, 2014
My Prayers for Mother Cotton, the entire Cotton Family and the Overcoming Church of God Family during your time of bereavement. May God forever strengthen and keep each of you.
Sis. Mary Perry (Widow of the Late Bishop E. F. Perry)
February 6, 2014
MAY GOD BLESS THE COTTON FAMILY A WELL LOVED PASTOR AND GREAT MAN OF GOD YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED KEEP THE FAITH AND GO FORTH GREATER OVERCOMING ANGELA JOINER PERRY,GA.
Quilisa Miller
February 6, 2014
You were the most positive, most consistent male influence of my life. You and Mother always opened your home to me and treated me like I was one of your own kids. Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for everything you did. Rest in eternal peace.
Willie & Joan Brezial
February 6, 2014
There will never be another Bishop Cotton, He was the First and Last, He was the Beginning and the End. He was a man of faith and understanding. He was able to feel your pain when you was going through, and he let you know it. I am so glad that the Lord allow me to be one of his children in the Load. I am really going to miss him a whole lots but, I know that earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal.
Rev raymond Ford
February 6, 2014
god bless this blessed familu\y. I meet
Bishop cotton, 41 years ago, while preaching in Macon,
Greg & Jeannette Williams
February 6, 2014
My thoughts and prays goes out to the Cotton family and may Bishop Cotton rest in peace. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
February 6, 2014
To the family of the late Bishop John L. Cotton and the Greater Overcoming Church family I extend my condolences to you for your loss. May Heaven smile on you and may God continue to bless and keep you in his care.
Minnie L. Gordon
Vanessa Cotton
February 6, 2014
Rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father. You are now in your Glorified Body. You are now in the presence of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and with our Uncle Billie, Aunt May, Our Grandmother Lorraine Cotton and most of all our great grandparents.
Love your grandchildren (from Miami)
Miriam, Marsha, and Vanessa Cotton
February 6, 2014
Praying for you and your family during your time of sorrow. May Our Lord Jesus Christ give you and your family strength to carry on.
Jr. Apostle Martin and Mother Martin
Greater Faith Temple Apostolic Church
Detroit, MI
Rev. Lusora Brown
February 6, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Angela Spain
February 6, 2014
"Daughter if you have the faith, with God all things are possible". I still can hear you saying those words. My prayers are to the Cotton family, Greater Overcoming, and the whole organization. We will always grab hold to the faith. I love you Bishop.
Min. LaJune Dixon
February 6, 2014
I met Bishop Cotton through the Dixon Family from Atlanta. The late Deacon Willie Dixon and Mother Gertrude Dixon and the family spoke very highly of him. My prayers are with the family and know it is Well!!!
Joseph Scott
February 6, 2014
Sympathy and Prayers for Mrs. Cotton and Family during their time of bereavement.
May God continue to Blessed each of you.
Dea. Joseph A. Scott & Family
niya mitchell
February 6, 2014
Keeping the family in my prayer...
Alexander Gibson
February 6, 2014
To my Bishop Cotton...I love you dearly and I'm very grateful for the opportunities you've given. Thank you for the encouraging talks.
Rick Jones
February 6, 2014
Bishop Cotton a great man of God. Gone but not forgotten. I Love you Bishop and you will be truly missed. My prayers go out to Mother Cotton and Family and the Greater Overcoming Church of God . May God keep you'll during your time of Bereavement.
Johnta Shaheer
February 6, 2014
Johntá Beth loves you Bishop! I know you are sitting at the feet of Jesus. We will cherish your legacy always. Thanks for the strict doctrine...you raised us well.
barbara colquitt
February 6, 2014
great man of GOD and well devoted he will be missed. but he did his work her faithfully now he can rest in the beloved arms of his father.
Dea. Willie and Sis. Ruth Whipple
February 6, 2014
May the Lord be with you always is our Prayer.
Preston&Jackie Brown
February 6, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dea. Willie and Sis Ruth Whipple
February 6, 2014
May God give you strength as you go through this transition period.
Deborah Tuft-Fraley
February 6, 2014
With deepest sympathy; may you find peace and joy knowing your loved one is in the arms of our mighty comforter.
Blessings to you family,
Ossie Jones
February 6, 2014
Sorry for your loss. I REMEMBER Bishop preaching at Davis Temple Holiness Church when I was a child. I enjoyed his teachings, and preaching because he was always straight from the bible... HOLINESS, HOLINESS ALL THE WAY. May GOD continue to be with the family, and Greater Overcoming.
Denise Jones
February 6, 2014
With Heartfelt Sympathy!!!
brittney waters
February 6, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss
DAN,LORI, and AUSTIN HODGES
February 6, 2014
thanks for all the memories. He was one of the first tobe on T.V. local channel in Macon GA. Thank You ....
Carlos Thomas
February 6, 2014
Sleep well Uncle! Sleep well.....
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