Thomas Elzie Cotton, Jr., born on Saturday, July 15, 1944 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was the fifth child and second born twin to the Late Ella Evelyn Jackson Cotton and the Late Thomas Elzie Cotton, Sr.  Surrounded by his family, Congregation Elders and the support of his congregation, Thomas fell asleep in death at the age of 80 on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at HCA Houston Healthcare, Clear Lake in Webster, Texas.  Thomas, or Elzie, as he was affectionately known by his family, grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended the Elizabeth Public Schools where he graduated in 1962 from the all-boys Jefferson High School. Upon completing his secular education, he began his career with GAF Materials Corporation in Linden, New Jersey as an Accounting Clerk. In 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on the “buddy plan” with his childhood friend, the Late James “Jimmie” Williams. They were assigned to Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia. He was later assigned to duty aboard the USS Columbus. He received his honorable discharge in February 1969. Thomas played football while in High School and for the U.S. Navy. After his military discharge, he resumed his career at GAF as a Warehouse Manager. In 1991, he relocated with GAF to Texas City, Texas where he continued working for the company for 45 years.  Thomas retired from GAF in 2007.  After one year, he started a second career with Eurocate in Texas City. After 5 years, he retired for health reasons in 2012.  While enlisted in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk, Thomas and his childhood friend, Jimmie Williams often spent their shore leave visiting Crozet, Virginia, the birthplace of Thomas’s mother and where he had many aunts, uncles and cousins. It was there that he was introduced by his cousin to the love of his life, Patricia Ann Clark. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1969, Thomas married his “Trish” as he and only he affectionately called her, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Elizabeth on May 31, 1969. To this union were born three children, Tanya Lynn, Monique Schafe, and Thomas Sheldon Alonzo. Thomas and Patricia were blessed with 56 years of marriage. From a young age, Thomas attended the Liberty Baptist Church in Elizabeth. As an adult, he converted and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1972 he became a Congregation Elder and served in both the Elizabeth North and Elizabeth South Congregations. He had the opportunity to be used by Jehovah in several capacities including Presiding Congregation Elder, Assistant Assembly Overseer, and the Hospital Liaison Committee.  Thomas was also instrumental in aiding many others to make the decision to serve God. Thomas was a gentle giant. He had a heart of gold along with a loving and genuine spirit. He was quick-witted and had a clever response and quirky words of wisdom for every situation – some that will live forever in our hearts and minds, and that we will be sure to repeat. He was a committed and faithful leader with a deep love for family, friends and his faith. He was a loving and faithful husband, a devoted father and grandfather; a dutiful son; a loyal brother; a caring uncle and a true friend to so many.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Dr. Margaret Cotton Olorunda, Oretha Cotton Baker and Janet Cotton Lindsey; his father-in-love Charles “Charlie” Clark; a brother-in-love Robert Key; and his childhood friend, Jimmie Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Ann Clark Cotton; his children, Tanya Cotton Carter (David) of Houston, Texas; Monique Cotton Ward (Jason) of Colonia, New Jersey; and Sheldon Cotton (Stacy) of Houston. Grandchildren, Matthew Bulliner, Jr. and Micah Bulliner of Chicago, Illinois; Faith Dempsey, Aysia Cotton, and Aniah Booker; and one great-grandson, Percy Thomas Allen Poncio, all of Houston.  Additionally, he is survived by his siblings: Elnora Singletary (Lank) of Lithonia, Georgia; twin brother Alonzo Ellis Cotton (Kim) of Florham Park, New Jersey; and the Reverend Dr. Iola E. Williams of Dover, Delaware; mother-in-love, Betty Burns of Charlotte, North Carolina; sisters-in-love Betty Key of Charlottesville, Virginia; Sheila Curtis (Garland) of Richmond, Virginia; Willa Parks (Lorenzo) of Charlotte; brothers-in-love James Clark (Sherry) of Charlottesville; Clifford Burns (Blair) of Charlotte; and Jerome Baker of Hillside, New Jersey; two special cousins, Abdul-bari Ansari (Dianne) and Delores Williams (Cliff); two dear long-time friends, Nelson and Doris Eddie; and a great host of beloved nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3205 Yost Boulevard, Pearland Texas 77581; and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in New Jersey. Time and location to be announced. 

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Patricia Cotton, 110 Dunbar Estates Drive, #2302, Friendswood, Texas 77546; or to Reverend Dr. Iola E. Williams at 266 Josie Avenue, Dover, Delaware 19901.