Joshua Elbert Cottman, 92, of Crisfield, answered the call from his Lord on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Joshua was born on December 15, 1929 to the late Adella and Albert Cottman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was one of seventeen children.
Joshua attended the Somerset County Schools. He had various jobs. He worked in New York with his uncle Johnny. After moving to Crisfield he worked at Mrs. Paul’s Kitchen which later became Campbell’s Soup Company.
Joshua gave his life to Christ at a very early age. He became a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church whereas, he was the oldest attending member until his illness. He was very supportive financially, spiritually and sharing words of encouragement in his church. Joshua served on the trustee board and the Men’s Choir.
On August 18, 1973, Joshua married Lorraine (“Raine” as he called her) Bacon. They were “inseparable” until her death, when you seen one you seen the other. Joshua and she loved to talk with people on the street, or wherever, about the Lord. When recently asked in the hospital, was he a preacher, he responded, “No, I’m a Reacher.”
He leaves to cherish his sweet memories: Children, Sheila Cottman of Geneva NY, Mary Bacon-Bivens of Crisfield, MD, Joseph Bacon (Fran) of Fort Worth, Texas, William Evans of Princess Anne, MD, Bernita Evans-Brown (Alonzo) of Salisbury, MD, Harry A. L. Evans of Hyde Park, Massachusetts; a host of grandchildren, (a devoted granddaughter, Kristina Brown); great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; four sisters, Louise Brown, Rose Lee, Jean Kennedy (Robert), Lisa Royal, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; four sister-in-laws, Anna Burrell of Philadelphia, PA, Regina Hill (John) of Crisfield, MD, Patricia Cooper of Fairmount, MD and Janice Douglas (Sinclair, Sr.) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons, Joshua Cottman, Jr., Edward “June” Bacon, Waldo Handy and twelve siblings.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Crisfield, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Church. Interment will be at Mt. Peer Cemetery in Marion Station, MD.
5 Responses
To my family just remember that GOD GIVES HIS ROUGHEST BATTLES TO HIS TOUGHEST SOLDIERS ,cuzn Josh was my oldest surviving cuzn so family he most differently will be missed as he use to always say is STAY .PRAYED UP.
We shall miss Mr Josh’s encouragement, his wisdom, and his revelations. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family. We will strive to emulate the spiritual attributes that he displayed and that he also lived.
Condolences & sincere sympathy to the family. Keep his memories alive. Sorry that I will be able to be with all of you on Saturday. Praying for your strength during this time.
I’m so happy I was able to speak with Uncle Josh in his last days, and tell him that I loved him.
I will forever cherish our conversation and the Bible Scriptures I read with him like Revelations 21:3, 4. and his response to them.
Although he was physically weak he was mentally very strong!
He was the Patriarch of our family and his presence will be missed!
With Sorrow and Love,
His Niece -Nara Brown
He was steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the things of God. ..a wellspring of insight and wisdom gained from living . And, if you weren’t in a hurry he gladly shared the gospel with unhurried grace and love for Jesus.