Estella Bivens Cottman

Estella Bivens Cottman was born on January 15, 1917 to the late Stella and Sidney Bivens in Princess Anne, Maryland.

She was educated in the public schools of Somerset County. Estella was joined in holy Matrimony to the late Rev. Virgil Cottman. She was First Lady of Mr. Carmel Baptist Church and St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church during her husband’s pastorialship. she has held many positions in the church such as a member of the Heavenely Lights of Mt. Carmel, the orignal Voices of St.Mary’s and Deaconess. Estella is known far and wide for her singing especially “The Old Ship of Zion”.

Estella was called to eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at the age of 94 in Princess Anne, Maryland.

She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, Alphonso and Elton Cottman of Princess Anne, Maryland; two grand-children, Elton Cottman Jr.(Latina) and Aunshae Cottman of Princess Anne, Maryland; four great-grand children, Shakur, Kalise, Emani, and Eyana, all of Princess Anne, Maryland; a special son, Alvin Armwood(Janet) of Princess Anne, Maryland; two sisters-in-law, Minister Pauline Roper of Salisbury, Maryland, and Evella Cottman of North Carolina; Ernestine Cottman and a host of nieces, nephews,cousins,and friends.

Estella was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Virgil Cottman, four sisters, Beatrice, Mary, Lena, and Dorothy; six brothers, Elton, Noah, Lee, Perry,Greensbury, and Omar.

A funeral service will be held Saturday July 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St.Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Princess Anne where friends may call 1 hour prior. Friends may also call Friday 6-8 p.m. at Anthony E. Ward Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be in the church cemetery.