Albert "A.C" Cotton

In Loving Memory of Albert “AC” Cotton

Albert Cotton, Sr, affectionately known as AC, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on June 28,1945 in Tallulah, Louisiana, to the late Rev. Roscoe Haynes and mother, Rosie Lee Wilks, AC lived a life marked by hard work, time spent with family, and his contentment with retreats to his man cave (i.e., “the basement). Albert is a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose no-nonsense, hands-on approach to life will never be forgotten. 

Throughout his life, AC was known for his devotion to his family as he would drop by regularly to see his parents, Rosie Lee and Willie, when they were alive, and would spend many mornings with his older brother, MC, where they would sit and talk. Also, AC would make annual trips to his hometown of Tallulah, Louisiana to spend time with his father, Roscoe, and the rest of his family there. Although not usually spoken in words, AC’s love was one of demonstration through actions. 

AC was known for his handiness with cars as he would care for his own automobiles, including rebuilding the engine in his 78 Pontiac LeMans, and determination to keep his 1984 Buick LeSabre running. The only reason AC got rid of his 1982 Buick Electra is because it was literally falling apart. He actually drove it to the salvage yard since it was still operational. 

AC’s carpentry skills led him to remodel “the basement” twice, which was his place of refuge, change the access point to the kitchen on his own. He built the cabinets for his garage, and the list goes on. Albert was also known for his grilling skills, which resulted in many family members having satisfied bellies. 

In 1980, he met the love of his life, Ernestine Melton Foster, in Michigan City, Indiana. From that moment, their hearts were joined. Shortly thereafter, Ernestine relocated to South Bend, Indiana where the two built a beautiful life together, sharing more than forty-four beautiful years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

AC leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Ernestine Cotton, who stood faithfully by his side through every season of life. He is also lovingly remembered by his sons, Albert (Valerie) Cotton Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina and Anthony (Dwan) Foster of West Chester, Ohio; his daughter, Andrea (Anthony) Gipson of Michigan City, Indiana; and his grandchildren, Noah Cotton of Charlotte, North Carolina, William Foster of New York City, New York, Nicholas (Jamyra) Foster of Cincinnati, Ohio, Elliott Foster of West Chester, Ohio, Naomi Cotton of Charlotte, North Carolina, LaKiesha (Reginald) Edwards of Henderson, Nevada and Shawnte’ Williams of Raleigh, North Carolina. 

He is also survived by his brothers, MC Cotton of South Bend, Indiana, Cleotha (Patricia) Haynes of Monroe, Louisiana, Ronnie (Wanda) Lewis of Fort Worth, Texas, and Michael Lewis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and his sisters, Verdia Haynes of Shreveport, Louisiana, Hattie Haynes of Garland, Texas, Linda (Leroy) Burns of Shreveport, Louisiana, Lizzie (Kenneth) Culkin of Abilene, Texas, and Janice (Freddie) Robertson of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A special niece, Diane (Robert) Cotton of South Bend, Indiana, who held a dear place in his heart, and close, supportive family friend, Roberta Jones. AC also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and a loving circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever treasure his kindness and wisdom.

AC was welcomed into eternal rest by those who preceded him in death; his father, Rev. Roscoe Haynes, and mother, Rosie Lee Wilks; daughter, Carolyn Foster; brothers, Roscoe Haynes Jr., Robert Lewis, Charles Haynes, and Howard Haynes; sisters, Alberta Haynes, Pearlean Haynes, and Connie Haynes; and special nephew, Glenn Cotton. 

A formal celebration of AC's life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 10am CST, in Michigan City, Indiana at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The family kindly requests that any flowers or contributions be sent to Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church located at 123 Helen Street, Michigan City, IN or Alford’s Mortuary located at 1222 Napier St, South Bend, IN.

AC’s most sought-after scripture is Psalms 90:10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years (80) yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” And he made fourscore. Baptized at an early age at the Come and See Church in Madison Parish, Louisiana, AC’s life, to those closest to him, included reading God’s word with intentionality.

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