Orville Cotton

COTTON, ORVILLE WARREN “full”

BURTON Funeral Home and Crematory 602 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16502 454-4551

Orville Warren Cotton, age 63, of Erie, transitioned from labor to reward Monday, February, 22, 2016 at UPMC Hamot.

Orville was born in Pittsburgh, PA., February 16, 1953. A son of the late Norma Cotton and Orville Fleming.

He was a 1971 graduate of Schenley High School in Pittsburgh and attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Special Education.

Orville worked at UPMC Montefiore for 10 years prior to his relocation to Erie, where he was employed as a Customer Service Representative for Dial America.

Orville gave his life to the Lord, when he heard God speaking as the love of his life, Bridgette Martin, sang, “Order my Steps.” Shortly after, they were joined in marriage. He was a former member of the Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Jesse N. Gavin, where he served on the Deacon Board, was the Chairman of the Trustee Board, member of the Choir and Choir Treasurer. He was a Sunday school teacher, part of the Levite Brotherhood and volunteered for the NAACP. Orville also owned a daycare in his home, where he was known as “PAPA”.

Orville was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, a member of the Choir and the President of Pastor Partners Ministry.

Orville loved dancing, listening to Gospel (especially Clark Sisters), spending time with all of his God-children and God Mother, Mother Lucille Jones. He also loved to make jokes and socialize with friends and family. He was a sharp dresser, avid shopper and developed a collection of shoes and die-hard Steelers fan.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Richard Williams; two brothers: Russell Childs and Andre Fleming.

Orville leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 11 years Bridgette Annette Cotton; one son, Jamal Clinton of Ackworth, GA; Mother-in-law, Anita Rutledge; two sisters, Peggy Younger of Philadelphia PA and Adrianne Beckman (Tim) of Butler, PA; His Godchildren Dalen Hooks of Pittsburgh, Laterra Bailey, Rachel Lyons, Kearius Husband, Sanaa Benjamin, and London Anderson, Aaron Vaughn all of Erie and Heavenly A. Bibbs of Philadelphia, PA ; God Mother Lucille Jones; Nieces, Nicole Younger-Greene and Nichelle Younger; Special Cousin, Joanne Flemings; His adopted Brother, Minister Jeffrey Pacley and adopted sisters Elaine Stanton, Denise Pacley-Hardy and Carol Hamilton (Bobby); Dear friends, James Henderson and Larry Reed; close friends, Betty Knight and Vicki Grayson and a host of many nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 11am until the service beginning at 1pm, where friends and family will celebrate the life and home going with the Friendship Baptist Church, Pastor Danny Stanton officiating located at 1719 Cascade St. Erie, PA 16502.