Mrs. Catherine Cotten, 94, of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Atrium Main.

Catherine Washington Cotten peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 26, 2025, surrounded by love and faith. She was born on September 21, 1930, at 5:00 a.m. in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Earline Geiger and Robert Washington. The youngest in a household awakened by her arrival at 4:45 a.m. on Nassau Street, Catherine was raised in a devout Christian family and accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 10.

Catherine possessed a beautiful singing voice, which she dedicated to glorifying God. Though an illness of the throat curtailed her mission, she sang joyfully in various churches, most notably at her home church, The Garden of Prayer, under the late Elder and Mother Dabney, renowned as the Praying Radio Evangelist.

Educated in the Philadelphia public school system, Catherine graduated from William Penn High School for Girls. She continued her studies at Standard Evening College (now Philadelphia Community College) and the Hahnemann School for Nursing.

On March 19, 1950, Catherine married the love of her life, Raymond Cotten, in Holy Matrimony. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, raising three children: Marion Renée, Ramona Louise, and Raymond Jr. Beyond their family, Catherine and Raymond welcomed other children into their home, offering support, love, and education to those in need.

Catherine renewed her faith in 1954 when she was baptized at St. Paul's Baptist Church, where she became an active and devoted member. Her contributions to the church community were numerous: she served on the Service to Community Committee, participated in the 3rd Adult Bible Class, and was ordained as a Deaconess in 1964. Over the years, Catherine played an integral role in the Wednesday Prayer & Praise Ministry, the Finance Committee, the Flower Committee, and the Trustee Ministry, which began in 2002. She also contributed to the church newsletter, The Centennial Epistle.

Outside the church, Catherine was a pillar in her community. She served as a Judge of Election in North Philadelphia and Germantown, President of the Home and School Association at Francis D. Pastorius Elementary School, and a Decentralization Representative for School District #6.

Catherine is survived by her three beloved children: Marion (Ralph) Dukes, Ramona (William) Jolley, and Raymond Cotten Jr.; cherished grandchildren: Ramona Lashai (Travis) Thomas, SSG Terésa Erica Corbett, Raymond III (Kambra) Cotten, Marvin Cotten, Marissa Cotten, Austin T. B. (Paris) Corbett, Donovan (Syreeta) Dukes, Joseph, Josiah, and Andrew Cotten; Travis, Jacob, and Kyle Jolley; and great-grandchildren: Zoey Anne, Emmalyne Trinity Jo, Kara Rae Corbett, Damir and Saniya Dukes, Clayton Alexander, Trenton Nathaniel, Gabriella Elizabeth Thomas, Raymond IV, Olivia, Jayden, and Damian Cotten. She also leaves behind three godchildren, her St. Paul's Baptist Church family, and a host of extended family and friends.

Though Catherine's physical presence is no longer with us, her unwavering faith, love for Christ, and dedication to her family and community will continue to inspire all who knew her.