In Loving Memory of William Lafayette Cotton
William Lafayette Cotton, 90, of San Francisco, California, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025. He was born on July 15, 1934, in Waco, Texas, to proud parents William M. and Velma Cotton, the eighth of eleven children.
In December 1956, William married Alma Louise Wimbish in Cuero, Texas. From this union, two children were born: Rhonda Irene Cotton and William Lafayette Cotton, Jr. Before this marriage, he welcomed another daughter, Sheila Cotton.
A dedicated member of the African American Episcopal Zion Church in San Francisco, William faithfully served as a trustee board member. His devotion to faith and service was reflected in every aspect of his life.
In 1952, William entered the United States Military Armed Forces, serving his country with honor in Korea and Vietnam, as well as in Germany and Thailand. His military focus was security and police functions, and he retired from active duty in July 1980. Prior to his retirement, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Following his military career, William returned to Texas, channeling his knowledge and experience into public service. He worked for the State of Texas as a probation officer in DeWitt County before transitioning to a role with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a parole officer. Later, he contributed to the Child Support Enforcement Division with the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office, overseeing South Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast areas, with his primary office in Victoria.
William was an active and respected presence in the Victoria community. He served on several boards, offering his wisdom and leadership to foster positive change. His commitment to justice, service, and community left an enduring legacy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. and Velma Cotton; his beloved wife, Alma Louise-Wimbish Cotton; his brothers, A.D. Cotton and John Cotton; his sisters, Vertna Cobbs, Codell Cotton, Gladys Gregory, Mildred Brown, Ella Marie Cotton, and Velma Weaver; and his daughter, Rhonda Cotton Robinson.
William leaves behind his son, William Lafayette Cotton, Jr.; his daughter, Sheila Cotton; his granddaughters, Qiana Robinson and Shaneen Robinson; his grandsons, Maxwell McKinley Cotton and Jaxson Paul Cotton; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He also leaves behind his special friend, partner, and confidant, Edna (Miller) Collier.
Services for William will be held in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Cuero, followed by a service at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Lindsey Smith. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.