Rosena J. (Johnson) Cotton

Rosena Johnson Cotton was born on May 30, 1934, daughter of the late Jeff and Willana Johnson, of Chickahominy, Virginia. 

At an early age, she was baptized in the Chickahominy River and joined Chickahominy Baptist Church.  She attended Bruton Heights School where she learned how to sew in Mrs. Rice’s class.  She made outfits for anyone who asked.  She graduated early with the class of 1950.  She furthered her education, learning typing and shorthand from business school now known as Thomas Nelson Community College.

She met and married Fletcher Cotton Jr.  Unto this union they were blessed with four children.

In 1960, she started her first job as a waitress at the Virginian Restaurant.  She was later employed by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, working at the Williamsburg Lodge and Williamsburg Inn.  She met many visitors and dignitaries that would stop her to take a picture with them because of her wonderful smile.  She retired after many years of dedicated service.

Rosena loved to entertain and make people happy.  After retirement, she enjoyed gardening, cooking and spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren.

On Sunday evening, December 15, 2019, the Lord sent his angels to the home of Rosena’s daughter.  Their mission was to bring His beloved Rosena home for eternal rest.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Francis Keith Brooks.  Precious memories will forever remain with her children, Shirley C. Saunder (Lloyd), Tyrone Cotton, Pierre Cotton Sr. and D’Artagnan Cotton (Patricia); brother, Theodore Johnson Sr.; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, December 21, 2019, in Whiting's Chapel.  Family and friends to assemble at the funeral home by 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia  23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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