MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2017 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Burton, McDaniel

Senate Concurrent Resolution 503

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF LONGTIME MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR AND ELLISVILLE COMMUNITY LEADER DR. PAUL COTTEN, SR., AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY ON HIS PASSING.

     WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of a most public-spirited citizen and Christian leader of Mississippi, respected Mental Health Administrator Dr. Paul Cotten, Sr., of Ellisville, Mississippi, who passed away on April 15, 2017, at the age of 80; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Cotten was born in McComb, Mississippi, on November 27, 1936, to Sylvester and Florida Williams Cotten.  After graduating from McComb High School, he prepared himself for an outstanding future by earning degrees in Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Music Therapy, and a Ph.D in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM); and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Cotten began working in the field of Mental Retardation in 1958, ending his impressive career as Director of the Ellisville State School and then Boswell Regional Center.  During his tenure in Mental Health, he served as an Adjunct Professor at USM and William Carey University.  Following his retirement from the state, he became a full-time Professor of Psychology, Gerontology, and Music Therapy at William Carey University until October 2016; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Paul Cotten will always be remembered as a man whose life was all about people.  He was an honorable, respected man who lived a very rewarding life by being a living sermon through his daily words and actions.  His philosophy was to be involved with others younger than he, facilitating experiences and training others to improve the quality of life for others.  This philosophy earned him the Laurel Junior Auxiliary Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2012 as well as countless other awards in his field; and

     WHEREAS, Ellisville First United Methodist Church lost one of its staunchest members with the death of Dr. Cotten.  He was a vital part of Church Ministries for over 50 years, serving as Sunday School Teacher, Methodist Men member, Children's Tone Bell Director, enthusiastic dishwasher and kitchen cleaner, and dedicated visitor to shut-ins.  He shared his musical talent and passion by serving the church as Adult Choir Director, mentoring budding young singers along the way by encouraging solo performances.  A very mission-minded Christian, Dr. Cotten chaired the church Mission Committee for many years, raising funds for mission trips as well as participating in the mission field.  The church Relay for Life team became very meaningful to him in the last few years, as he lost his three siblings to cancer.  At the annual church Relay for Life Dinner Theater, Dr. Cotten was presented the 2017 Spirit Award given to a church member who has been an inspiring example to others while fighting cancer; and

     WHEREAS, Paul Cotten never met a stranger.  He loved travel, food and reading, and his love for horses gave him the opportunity to ride all around the country; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Cotten was preceded in death by his parents and

three siblings:  Dr. Milam Cotten, Mary Virginia Graham and Reverend Frances Cotten.  Dr. Cotten married the love of his life, Lou Ann Waggoner, in 1959, and they became the parents of four children.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years and his children:  Paul David Cotten; Lee Cotten; Mark (Lisa) Cotten; and Paula McGowin (David).  Survivors also include his four grandchildren:  Joseph Mark (Athena); John; Anna Claire and Alisa Evans; and

     WHEREAS, an advocate for the less fortunate among us, Dr. Cotten was an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage, and he will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known his special wisdom and wit:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to the memory of longtime Mental Health Administrator and Ellisville Community Leader Dr. Paul Cotten, Sr., and extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to his surviving family on his passing.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Cotten, forwarded to the State Board of Mental Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.