Johnny Lee Cotton Jr.

Johnny Lee Cotton Jr. was born on February 24, 1930, in Shuqualak, Mississippi, to the late Johnnie Lee Cotton Sr. and Ella Christian Cotton. Raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Johnny was the eldest of eleven children and a graduate of Lanier High School of the Jackson Municipal Separate School District. Upon his high school graduation, Johnny continued his academic career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jackson College for Negro Teachers in 1953. 

Shortly after graduation, Johnny was drafted to serve in the United States Army, from which he was honorably discharged in 1955. He returned home to marry his college sweetheart, Athenet Uston Cotton, with whom he shared 36 devoted years of marriage. In this union, they were blessed with four children: D’Juan, Renita, Princess, and Vicki Cotton – instilling the values of faith, family, integrity, education, and hard work. 

Johnny is remembered by countless students and colleagues for his high expectations, professionalism, and positive influence. He was a lifelong educator whose passion for people and teaching culminated in a 45-year career in education across multiple schools and roles, serving as an elementary, junior high, and high school teacher before progressing to counselor and ultimately assistant principal. While teaching, Johnny continued his academic career by earning his Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati in 1968 and an Education Specialist degree from Jackson State University in 1975. In 2000, he retired after 40 consecutive years of committed service to Jackson Public Schools. 

Beyond the school system, Johnny was a man of faith and family, a giver, and a beacon of light and inspiration. Johnny faithfully served his home church of Greater Blair Street A.M.E. Zion Church before regularly attending Word of Life Church. 

He was a father in every true sense of the word to not only his children but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Father” – a title well earned. Johnny loved and supported his family – both immediate and extended – as evidenced by the four generations who lived in the home he and his wife, Athenet, built together. Their home was a welcoming gathering place for countless family reunions and celebrations, a tradition Johnny continued through hosting the annual Cotton Christmas Party at the Hilton Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Johnny accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and is preceded in death by his wife, Athenet Uston Cotton; daughter, Princess Cotton Foster; and sisters – Mary Wilson, Vera Ellis, and Odell Chaney. He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Bernice Quinn, Henry Cotton Sr., Velma Berry (Robert Sr.), Clara Stamps, James Cotton, and Betty Barnes (Holiness); and special friend, Katherine Spears. He is survived by his children, D’Juan A. Cotton (Renee) of Columbia, SC; Renita F. Cotton, M.D. of Jackson, MS; and Vicki J. Cotton Bradford of Jackson, MS; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.