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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of
Louisiana upon the passing of Joseph M. Cotton Sr.
WHEREAS, Joseph M. Cotton Sr., was born on March 25, 1941, in Alexandria,
Louisiana, to Sylvester G. Cotton Sr. and Delores Tassin Cotton; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of
eighty-four, lovingly surrounded by his devoted family. A product of strong faith and family
values, he committed his life to service, scholarship, and the upliftment of others; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton was a lifelong educator and advocate for personal and
academic development. He was a proud graduate of St. James Catholic Elementary and High
School and Grambling State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Secondary Education, followed by a master's degree in guidance and psychology from the
University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), and
pursued doctoral studies in developmental education and student personnel. He was also a
Licensed Professional Counselor and held an Educational Specialist Certification in
Administration and Supervision; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton's professional career spanned more than five decades,
impacting generations of students, families, and professionals across Louisiana and the
nation. Over his distinguished career, he served as a teacher and counselor in the St.
Martinville Parish school system, a college instructor, and a respected administrator with the
Louisiana Department of Education. From 1990 to his retirement, he served at the University
of Louisiana at Lafayette, most notably as Project Director for the Dr. Ronald E. McNair
Research Scholars Program, where he mentored and inspired countless first-generation and
underrepresented college students to pursue graduate studies; and
WHEREAS, his work extended beyond the classroom, as a nationally respected
speaker, consultant, and trainer in the areas of student development, prevention education,
and counseling. His work reached beyond Louisiana to national organizations, such as the
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SR NO. 55 ENROLLED
U.S. Department of Education, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Students Against
Destructive Decisions (SADD), Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and numerous local and
national youth and prevention programs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton's life was marked by numerous accolades and honors,
including inclusion in the book, "Who's Who in the South and Southwest", Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc. "Man of the Year", the Kiwanis Club Southwest "Outstanding Citizen of the
Year", and multiple awards from educational and counseling associations, reflecting a life
of integrity, impact, and excellence; and
WHEREAS, he faithfully served his community and his church, Immaculate Heart
of Mary Catholic Church, in various leadership and service roles including lector, parish
council member, and master of ceremonies for numerous church and community events; and
WHEREAS, a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Mr.
Cotton served in numerous ministries and community events. He was also a proud, lifelong
member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., initiated in 1960, and served as a past president
of the Eta Gamma Lambda Chapter, where he furthered educational and civic engagement
and exemplified the fraternity's aims of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and
friend whose legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by his
cherished partner in life and wife of sixty years, Virgie M. Syrie Cotton; his children, Cheryl
L. Cotton and Andre' Jamal Cotton; his grandchildren, Dr. Shelby A. Perkins and Jordan
Miles Cotton; his siblings, Delores C. Mack and Earl Lee Cotton Sr.; and many beloved
in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who mourn his passing; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton was preceded in death by his beloved son, Joseph Miles
"Joey" Cotton II, his parents, and several siblings and in-laws; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cotton leaves behind a profound legacy of service, mentorship, and
compassion. He was a man who never met a stranger, who gave of himself freely, and who
uplifted everyone he encountered. His life is a testament to the power of education, faith, and
community, and while his passing has left a tremendous void in the community, his memory
shall live forever in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know and love him.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby recognize and commend the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of Joseph
M. Cotton Sr. and extends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family on the occasion
of his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Joseph M. Cotton Sr.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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