Elijah T. Cotton (age 22)
Elijah Cotton was born February 12, 1998 to Shelia Williams and Charles Cotton Jr. in Newburgh, NY. As a teenager, he moved to Knoxville, TN.
Elijah, affectionately called Eli, age 22, transitioned to his heavenly home on December 7, 2020.
Although only 22 years of age, Eli made a lasting impact on so many people in his lifetime. He was deeply committed to being a good father along with loving his family, bringing laughter and joy to everyone, and lending a listening ear to anyone in need. His talents were playing his guitar and learning new tricks on his skateboard.
As we walk through this journey called life, we know he will still be with us. His contagious smile and big heart will always be remembered no matter how far apart we are. In times of sadness, we will come together, laugh, and embrace one another as he would want us to do.
Preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth “Marlon” Williams; grandparents, Carolyn Williams (Knoxville, TN) and Charles Cotton Sr. (Newburgh, NY) and cousin, Jarneisha Williams.
Eli leaves his “Baby Boy,” Corvus Cotton; mother, Shelia Williams; father, Charles Cotton Jr.; sister, Christine Williams; brothers, Bryce (Rachel) and Charles Cotton III; grandmother, Lilline Powell (Grand Prairie, TX); grandfather, Johnny Williams Sr. (Knoxville, TN); nephew, Liano-jay Richards (London, England); aunts, Selina Cotton (Newburgh, NY), April, Shimada, Tonya (Marcus) Bly, and Tomiko Williams; uncles, Dewayne Cotton (Newburgh, NY), Frank, Kenny, Michael, and Shawn Williams; cousins, Te’Andre Moore, Johnny Frank Williams Jr, Montel Cotton, Codee Bly and Erica Morgan (Newburgh, NY); lifelong mentors, David Gray, Kori Kimp, Louie Toto and Nilo Hare; “Brothers for Life,” Joshua Sanchez (Newburgh, NY) and Chris Shaw (Knoxville, TN), other friends and family too many to name.
Friday, December 18, 2020, a public walkthrough from 4 to 5 p.m. at The Change Center, 203 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville, TN. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Following the walkthrough, the family will assemble at New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane Knoxville, TN. During this time, we will remain in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order #17 (COVID-19). Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com
