Delorise Marie Cotman

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, God looked down from heaven and picked from His garden our beloved one, Sister Delorise Marie Cotman, lovingly called “Lois” to her family and friends. Lois was one of five children born on February 3, 1937, in Hanover County, Virginia, to the late Edith and Welton Underwood. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Harold Cotman, Jr., daughter, Angela Givens and brothers, James, William, Welton Jr., and Wilbert Underwood. Lois was educated in the Hanover County public schools and graduated from John M. Gandy High School, Ashland, Virginia. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized into the fellowship of the First Union Baptist Church. It was there that she served as a faithful member of the Usher’s Ministry where she was instrumental in serving as a mentor with the younger girls for several years. She sponsored many plays over the years to support whatever the cause. Her other affiliations included serving in the Chickahominy Baptist Association’s Ushers’ Union and Division of Women. As a member of the Usher’s Union, she led the celebration of the Annual God’s Creation Service for several years. As a member of the Division of Women, she was a past president and rendered many years of faithful service. She supported the Baptist Children’s Home events making sure that the children would participate in the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and have a youth to represent the church. Her other community service included being a member of the Order of St. Luke, Courts of Calanthe, the Tents, Shiloh Household of Ruth #1898, Order of Eastern Star Carey Wheaton Chapter #204 O.E.S.-P.H.A. where she served as Worthy Matron and Secretary. She also served as secretary of District 5 and 35 O.E.S.–P.H.A. for a number of years, and a member of the Hanover Branch N.A.A.C.P. Lois was employed by Hanover County Public school system and retired after 51 years of service. Lois was dedicated to her family. She not only reared her children but grandchildren as well. She supported them in every way and often they would find themselves attending her community meetings as well. Lois leaves to celebrate her homegoing, two sons, Jerome J. (Sheila) Cotman and Darryl E. Cotman, eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends. We thank God for her life and the inspiration she was to everyone. Her legacy of commitment and devotion to service is how she will always be remembered. “Today we will collect our fond memories and hold dearly the part of her that has been given to each of us, so that in the days to come, we will join her in rejoicing, knowing that someday we will meet again. On that day, our tears will be wiped away, and we will join her in the great celebration of love, joy, peace, and eternal life with our Savior.”

Tributes

Delorise Marie Cotman

February 3, 1937 - January 11, 2025