Jack Maynard Cotten

1946 - 2021

Jack Maynard Cotten, 75, peacefully joined his parents, brother and sister on March 3, 2021. He was born February 6, 1946 to the late Roderick L. Cotten, Sr. and Margaret Whitley Cotten.
He is survived by his wife Lila Daugherty Cotten, mother in-law Margaret Baxter, sisters in-law Linda Cotten, Iris Annette Daugherty, and Barbara Daugherty; nephews, Kimmey Seymore,DDS (Stephanie), and Rod Cotten; nieces, Kimberly Berry (Travis), Heather Dail (Billy), and Margaret Lila Hiatt (Richard).
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother R.L. (Bob) Cotten, Jr. and his sister Elizabeth Cotten Seymore.
Jack was born and raised in New Bern, where he graduated from New Bern High School in 1964. He attended East Carolina University and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity. While at ECU he was drafted and served two years in the US Army. On December 19, 1972 he met Lila on a Friday night at the Elbow Room in Greenville, and by the end of the weekend they were both head over heels in love. The two just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this past February 9.
Using the excuse she needed gallbladder surgery, Jack's mother persuaded Jack and Lila to move back to New Bern so Jack could help her at Greenleaf Florist. She never had that surgery, but she got a wonderful assistant. Jack went to many designer schools and became a member of the North Carolina Floral Association. After his mother's death, he bought property on Highway 17 and built a new florist. He served on the board of the Florist Association for several years. God provided our planet earth with beautiful flowers, and Jack created thousands of gorgeous arrangements with his God given talent.
Jack was a member of the East Carolina Yacht Club for many years until his illness prevented him from attending. Jack and Lila loved boating and bought a house on Brice's Creek overlooking the Trent River. They bought three boats; they all sank after or during hurricanes. They had many fun times and lots of interesting situations while out on the river.
"Rabbit", as he was called by his friends, loved golf. He and Lila were members at River Bend for several years and later joined the New Bern Golf and Country Club. He won or placed in several tournaments during his years and had 4 holes-in-one. He and Lila won several tournaments together, and this past year he would ride with Lila while she played as he was unable. He served on the NBGCC Board of Directors and served as President of the Board before his term expired. The members at the club were and are like family to "Rabbit" and Lila.
This past weekend Danny Yates and Don Gross sat with Lila on the Cotten's porch overlooking the golf course. They set up a few extra chairs for visitors and golfers that happened to stop by. There was one rule and that was each person had to share a story, not just any story but one that would make them laugh. And they did not disappoint, stories were told, grief was shared and there was great fellowship.
There will be a visitation Saturday, March 6, 6-8pm at Cotten Funeral Home.
The family will have a private graveside service prior to the 3:00pm Memorial service at Broad Street Christian Church. Following the Memorial service there will be a celebration of Jack's life at New Bern Golf and Country Club.
Lila extends her thanks to the caregivers at Carolina East Medical Center, especially to Dr. Ramsey and Shannon Sparks, PA. She would also like to thank Craven County Hospice and their great staff, especially Martina, Ashley, Nancy and their special friend Rev. Angel Lorton. She would also like to thank Kelli Billingsley and Jettie Pelletier for helping her through Jack's last days and in preparation of his service. Jack and Lila were a great team; when she no longer had Jack's help, these ladies all stepped in to plan the best ending for her "Jackie."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to Broad Street Christian Church or a favorite charity. Broad Street Christian Church has always been a part of Jack's life; Jack was baptized there, he and Lila were married there, and his life's full circle ends with his memorial service there.
Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Jack. Online condolences can be made at www.cottenfuneralhome.com