SR0643 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0643 LRB103 35632 MST 65706 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Cotton Jr., who passed away on November 23, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was born in Tishabee, Alabama to Richard Sr. and Virgina Cotton on November 7, 1945; his faith was important to him beginning at an early age, and he joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was a dedicated employee of the Dolton Park District; he was self-taught in many trades, including welding, carpentry, woodworking, and many others; his co-workers affectionately referred to him as Mr. C, Mr. Fix-it, Pops, and Papa Cotton; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was generous, devoted, hardworking, understanding, and reliable; he was a quiet man of action, willing to lend a hand to anyone in need; he did not spend his life worrying and lived his life with purpose, surrounded by his family who adored him; he was a humble man who lived an honest life; he had a huge heart and a bright and beautiful smile that touched everyone he met; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton and his wife Bertha spent their life together operating as a unit, building their home on the foundation of love and commitment; they were affectionately known as Papa Cotton and Mama Cotton to their family; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was an amazing bowler with the trophies to prove it; he enjoyed fishing and was an admirer of all sports, especially Alabama football; he spent most of his days tending to his garden, a hobby he inherited from his mother, playing with his beloved granddaughters, grilling, and enjoying his trusted word searches while watching Walker Texas Ranger; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, James, Thennie, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Johnnie, Willie, Jesse, Virgina, Josephine, and Eartha; and

WHEREAS, Richard Cotton is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bertha; his daughters, Katherine, Krystal, and Katrina; his granddaughters, Krysten and Mackenzie; his sisters, Dorothy Cotton and Ida (Paul) Cotton Harden; his in-laws, Levone Campbell, Mary-Helen Bell, Lillian Mullen, Patricia (Marvin) Head, Vera Merriweather, Lilly Rose, and Ulysses Simmons; children he referred to as his own, Pearl Cox, Valerie Cotton, Alan (Sandra) Canty, Mondeyl (Anita) Canty, and Lavell Applewhite; his honorary sister, Betty Nelson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard Cotton Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Richard Cotton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.