Deacon Nelson Cotton passed away Nov. 28, 2015, at Resthaven Living Center in Bogalusa.

He was born to the late Dewitt and Carrie Cotton of Hackley, on Feb. 27, 1939. He enjoyed being around family and friends, and he was a devoted member of Second Missionary Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving devoted wife, Velma Cotton; one sister, Rachel (John) Jefferson; three children, Willie (Necie) Cotton, Debra Cotton and Kim (Micheal) Cotton, all of Bogalusa; two special step-children, Cora (Sam) Gooden of Detroit, Mich., and Gregory (Barbara) Robinson of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law, Olivel Cotton of Baton Rouge; five grandsons, Kentrell Cotton of Bogalusa, LaJames Cotton of Bogalusa, Vanshay (Krystle) Cotton of Angie, Marco Johnson of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Kenai Cotton of Foxworth, Miss.; five granddaughters, Ardra Cotton of Bogalusa, Ronique Johnson of Bogalusa, Roshander (Craig) Bourne of Cincinnati, Ohio, Roleesha (Otis) Young of Bogalusa and Sara Cotton of Cincinnati; 36 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Cotton, Roosevelt Cotton Jr., Truly Cotton, Johnny (Pig) Cotton and Edward Cotton; a sister, Jimmy Lee Cotton; and a son, Gary Cotton.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 4, starting at 2 p.m. from the funeral home, with the Rev. Chris Matthews officiating.

The interment will follow at Bogalusa Cemetery.