Honor her
for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31, NIV
Touched by an Angel On January 1, 1944, Reverend David Abraham and Mrs. Artie Mae Lang Abraham welcomed a precious angel into this world. They named her Josephine and nurtured her in their beautiful home in Swiftown, Mississippi. With a deep love for music and ministry, she sang with her siblings in church services as their father delivered the Word of God. Throughout her childhood, she developed a true heart for serving others which remained evident in every aspect of her life. With a personality that was just as striking as her physical beauty, many who were blessed to meet her will agree that they were touched by an angel. In the mid-1960’s, she met and married Reverend Leroy Cottrell in Chicago, Illinois. To this union, four children were born: Cynthia, Sharon, Tanya and Kedrick. Upon relocating to Memphis in 1970, she united with Christ Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Eddie L. Currie and continued using her melodious voice to glorify God with the renowned CMB Singers. God allowed her to serve as the First Lady of King Palace Missionary Baptist Church (1975), where she graciously attended to the needs of the congregation in a loving and nurturing way. She later returned to Christ Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Gina M. Stewart, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of the CMBC Senior Jewels Ministry. In addition to her gift of singing, Josephine Cottrell was a gifted seamstress and a master at culinary arts with skills that came second to none. As an entrepreneur, she spent many years as the proprietor of Anointed Hands Childcare and Jo’s Boutique of Fashion. She offered young children the guidance and love that they needed to be successful in life. She spent her life on a mission to meet needs, show love, and “work the works of Him who sent her” until night came. She heard the voice of her Heavenly Father and returned to Him peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and all of her siblings. To cherish her memory, Josephine leaves her four devoted children: Cynthia Cottrell, Sharon Cottrell, Tanya Cottrell, and Kedrick (LaKeisha) Cottrell; fourteen grandchildren, ten greatgrandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends, and a loving church family who will cherish her sweet legacy forever.
Order of Service
Processional The Family of Josephine Cottrell Hymn Old & New Testament Scripture Reading Rev. Dr. Chuck Lester Prayer Rev. Dr. Nadolyn Dunigan Musical Selection Reflections Family & Friends (2 Minutes, please)
Love Shines Through
Like a shadow in the moonlight, like the whisper of the seas Like the echoes of a melody, just beyond our reach In the shadow of our sorrow...past the whisper of goodbye Love shines through eternity, A heartbeat from our eye. ~Author Unknown ~
Musical Selection The Eulogy Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart Recessional The Family of Josephine Cottrell
Acknowledgment
For comforting us in sadness...for lifting us in prayer; For thoughtful deeds and tokens of love...or for simply being there, We extend our heartelt thanks to you, with a love that shall never cease May God reward you abundantly, and continue to give us peace. ~ The Family of Josephine Abraham Cottrell ~
Charles Streeter, Sr.
Active Pallbearers Charles Banks
Michael Dukes, Sr.
Kedrick Cottrell II
Honorary Pallbearers CMBC Senior Jewels Ministry
Interment
Memorial Park - South Woods 5485 Hacks Cross Road s Memphis, TN 38125
Services Entrusted To N. J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home 12 South Parkway West s Memphis, TN 38109
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.