Donald James Cottingham

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Donald James Cottingham, 74, transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home.  He was the son of the late Percy L. Cottingham and Doretha Croswell Cottingham, born in Crisfield, Maryland on June 27, 1949, and raised in Marion Station, Md.

Donald was educated in Somerset County Public Schools and graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1968.  In 1969, he was drafted into the Army to serve as part of the 42nd Infantry during the Vietnam War.  After completing his tour of duty, Donald returned home to Marion, Maryland where he began employment at the Social Security administration in Crisfield, MD and later Dupont in Seaford, Delaware.

On April 1, 1972, Donald and Bertha Miles were joined in holy matrimony at John Wesley United Methodist Church, and together they were blessed with their daughter, Denise L. Cottingham.

Shortly thereafter, Donald reenlisted in the Army. He served as an Army Recruiter and a Logistics Specialist. After an honorable service of 23 years, he retired as a Sergeant First Class at Ft. Meade Army Base in Ft. Meade, MD. During his military career, Donald received numerous awards and medals, including the prestigious Bronze Star medal. Following his retirement from the Army, he worked as a Logistics Specialist for the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office at Fort Meade for fifteen (15) years.

If you knew Donald you knew he loved to garden, barbecue, the Philadelphia Eagles, and a spirited game of pinnacle!  At times, he and his family would play until the sun came up. Keep in mind, the ladies often couldn’t play unless they needed an extra player 😊. He loved music (the oldies), some of his favorite groups, The Whispers and the O’Jays, could be heard playing in the Cottingham home constantly throughout the years; his latest favorite artist that he kept in rotation was Charlie Wilson.

In his younger years, Donald enjoyed entertaining with family and friends.  He was often the life of the party. However, in his golden years he preferred the solitude and sanctuary of his home.

Donald leaves to cherish fond memories his devoted wife of 51 years (and high school sweetheart) Mrs. Bertha L. (Miles) Cottingham of Hanover, Maryland, his daughter, Denise L. Cottingham of Glen Burnie, Maryland, three sisters; Dolores Jackson (Richard) of Bridgeton, New Jersey, his twin sister, Diane Johnson, of Parsonsburg, Maryland, Jacqueline West (Theodore) of Salisbury, Maryland, one brother; Eugene Cottingham of Parsonsburg, Maryland, one brother-in-law, William Miles, Princess Anne, Maryland, two sisters-in-law; Evelyn Johnson, Marion, Maryland and Maizie Archie, Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Preceding Donald in death are two (2) brothers, Jimmy Cottingham and Percy Cottingham, Jr. (Elizabeth), two (2) sister Gertrude Croswell, Barbara Knock, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Iris Miles, and three (3) brothers-in-law, Charles Miles, Samuel Archie, and Larry Miles.

Donald is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing –II Timothy 4:7-8

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, August 5, 2023 at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 27945 Holland Crossing Road in Marion Station, MD with a viewing one hour prior.  A viewing will also be held 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, August 4, 2023 at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.