John Willie Cotton

John Willie Cotton was born on May 14, 1937 to the late Azzie Lee and John Cotton of Shorterville, AL and raised along with his younger sister Mary McConnell.

He was educated in the Henry County, AL School System and attended the Shorterville Elementary & Shorterville Jr. High School.  After school he went to work for the mill in Shorterville.  John Willie started his spiritual journey with  Christ at an early age as a member of Greater Friendship AME Church in Shorterville, AL.

He found love and married Linnie Tolbert. To this union two children were born, Andy Cotton and Angela Cotton Love. Later in life John Willie left Alabama and made his home in South Fallburgh, NY, where he worked in the Hotel Industry. After retirement he moved to Miami, FL  where he remained until his health started to decline. He eventually made his way to Albany, GA to live with his sister, Mary until his death. 

Those left to cherish his memories are two sisters, Mary Cotton McConnell of Albany, GA and Dolly Robinson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two sons, Andy (Chandra) Cotton, Sr. of Fullerton, CA and John Edward Shaw of Ft. Gaines, GA; one daughter, Angela Love of Pompano Beach, FL; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a nephew, Michael McConnell of  Albany, GA; 3 nieces,  Bridget (Vance) McConnell of Orlando Fl., Sheranda McConnell of Atlanta, GA., & Yolanda (Lanny) McConnell of Washington Township  NJ and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

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