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1		SENATE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3		to learn of the death of Richard Cotton Jr., who passed away on
4		November 23, 2023; and
5		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was born in Tishabee, Alabama to
6		Richard Sr. and Virgina Cotton on November 7, 1945; his faith
7		was important to him beginning at an early age, and he joined
8		Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church; and
9		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was a dedicated employee of the
10		Dolton Park District; he was self-taught in many trades,
11		including welding, carpentry, woodworking, and many others;
12		his co-workers affectionately referred to him as Mr. C, Mr.
13		Fix-it, Pops, and Papa Cotton; and
14		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was generous, devoted,
15		hardworking, understanding, and reliable; he was a quiet man
16		of action, willing to lend a hand to anyone in need; he did not
17		spend his life worrying and lived his life with purpose,
18		surrounded by his family who adored him; he was a humble man
19		who lived an honest life; he had a huge heart and a bright and
20		beautiful smile that touched everyone he met; and
21		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton and his wife Bertha spent their

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1		life together operating as a unit, building their home on the
2		foundation of love and commitment; they were affectionately
3		known as Papa Cotton and Mama Cotton to their family; and
4		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was an amazing bowler with the
5		trophies to prove it; he enjoyed fishing and was an admirer of
6		all sports, especially Alabama football; he spent most of his
7		days tending to his garden, a hobby he inherited from his
8		mother, playing with his beloved granddaughters, grilling, and
9		enjoying his trusted word searches while watching Walker Texas
10		Ranger; and
11		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton was preceded in death by his
12		parents and his siblings, James, Thennie, Elizabeth, Mary,
13		Joseph, Johnnie, Willie, Jesse, Virgina, Josephine, and
14		Eartha; and
15		WHEREAS, Richard Cotton is survived by his wife of 49
16		years, Bertha; his daughters, Katherine, Krystal, and Katrina;
17		his granddaughters, Krysten and Mackenzie; his sisters,
18		Dorothy Cotton and Ida (Paul) Cotton Harden; his in-laws,
19		Levone Campbell, Mary-Helen Bell, Lillian Mullen, Patricia
20		(Marvin) Head, Vera Merriweather, Lilly Rose, and Ulysses
21		Simmons; children he referred to as his own, Pearl Cox,
22		Valerie Cotton, Alan (Sandra) Canty, Mondeyl (Anita) Canty,
23		and Lavell Applewhite; his honorary sister, Betty Nelson; and

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1		numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends;
2		therefore, be it
3		RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
4		ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
5		Richard Cotton Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his
6		family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
7		further