Iris Sherida Cotton, 66, of Waco, passed away Friday, October 26, 2018.
Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 am Friday, November 2, 2018 at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Downsville, TX.
Iris Alston was born June 11, 1952 to Albert and Ethel Alston. She grew up in Turners Station, MD. She graduated from Eastern High School in Baltimore, MD in 1970. After high school she acquired a job with the Department of Defense where she worked over 20 years.
In 1985 she met Alvin Cotton of Waco, Texas and swept him off his feet. They married for the first time in 1988 and again in 2005. Iris worked as a clerk for McLennan County Commissioners’ office for over 20 years in Waco, Texas.
Iris became a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist church in Downsville, Texas in 1988. She was a faithful and active member until the Lord called her home. At Mt. Olive, Iris served as secretary, youth director, Sunday school teacher, and Bible teacher in the women’s ministry. Her faith and love in God was carried like a badge of honor to be seen by others. Iris never did things for people because she wanted recognition, but because of her loving and caring spirit of God.
Iris was a mentor teaching, touching and influencing many people. Because of her faith and belief in God, Iris never complained. She believed that she could achieve all things through Christ Jesus. She chose love and forgiveness above all else. So, as we take time to remember Iris Sherida Cotton’s time here on earth, don’t be sad. Just think of the happy and the beautiful person we had the pleasure of knowing and loving. We will truly miss her, but will NEVER forget her. God has truly gained an angel.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Albert and Ethel; oldest brother, George Alston, and sister, Patricia Evelyn. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Alvin Cotton; daughters, Sherida Hightower, Melanie Gather, Melissa Gather and Alison Cotton; one son, Keith Willis; sister and brother-in-love, Veronica and Wilbert Carrington; brother and sister-in-love, Donald and Rhonda Alston; brother, Stephen Alston; sister and brother-in-love, Mary and Jerry Bradley; grandkids, Ziara Smith, Tavon Taylor, Tayler Simmons, Teven Hicks, Trayden Hicks, Te’Coya Cotton, Gabrielle Willis, and Terrance Willis; other sisters-in-love and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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I have known Iris for longer than 25 years and I could not have found a more loving, caring, God loving, and true friend. Words aren’t enough to describe what a wonderful person Iris was and still will be in my wonderful memories of our times together. Iris will truly be missed , but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt , she is singing and dancing in heaven .
I met Iris when I went to work at McLennan County. What a wonderful person to know and easy to love. She will really be missed! What wonderful memories I have. She sure loved the Lord and I learned much from her. To her family, I am so sorry for your losd but know she’s in a much better place and is pain free! Know y’all are on my heart and in my prayers.
I haven’t known Sister Iris Cotton very long. I do know this, she displayed a kind, loving , quiet spirit and compassionate demeanor. From what I know of her she fought the good fight both physically and spiritually. She will be heavily missed for days and years to come. She leaves behind eternal love.
To The Family: Heartfelt Condolences.