Program for the Memorial Celebration in Loving Memory of Ethel Dolores Cotton, August 15, 1935 - April 24, 2009, April 29, 2009

In Loving Memory Ethel Dolores Cotton August 15, 1935 - April 24, 2009 Memorial Celebration April 29, 2009 Praise God for a healthy, strong heart! "He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water." - John 7:38 OBITUARY Ethel Dolores Cotton Ethel Dolores Cotton (affectionately known to her family and friends as Dee Dee) was a 52 year resident and pioneer of Las Vegas. She was the daughter of the late Locksley Thompson and Mabel Moses. Born in Columbus, Ohio August 15, 1935 and raised in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem, New York City with neighbors and friends such as; Joe Louis, Willie Mays, Leslie Uggams, and Dianne Carroll. She was educated in New York City focusing her education in the fields of interior design, dance and performing arts. Her great love of dance began at the age of four. She later trained and studied with the legendary Katherine Durham. She performed and danced in the Chitlin' Circuit at Wilt's Small Paradise, Victory Grill, Robert's Show Lounge, Club Delissa, and the Regal, Howard, Uptown, Royal, Fox, Hippodrome, Apollo, Ritz, and Howard Theaters, in addition in various night clubs and chorus lines throughout the United States and Canada. She arrived in Las Vegas with the production show "The Cotton Club Revue" featuring Cab Calloway in 1957 where she met and married Elmer Cotton. Highlights of her career included being featured on the cover of Jet Magazine and apart of the cast of Harlem in Havana in 1955. She opened the Dee Dee Lynn's Studio of Performing Arts of Las Vegas in 1966. She was profiled in "An Interview with D.D. Cotton, Las Vegas Women in Gaming and Entertainment Oral History Project University of Nevada, Las Vegas" in 1998 and in the Millennium Edition "From the Kitchen to the Boardroom Nevada's Black Women", in 2001. Contributing to the desegregation of Las Vegas, she became the first African-American female to be hired as a cocktail waitress, Blackjack Dealer, Floor Supervisor at casinos such as Diamond Jim's Nevada Club, Caesar's Palace, and the Tropicana Hotels. After retirement in 2004 she continued to be active in the community service by volunteering her time at Kermit R. Booker Elementary School reading to young children. She was predeceased in death by her father, Locksley Thompson, mother, Mabel Moses, son, Eric Jay Cotton; brothers, Locksley, Jr., Charles Thompson. She is survived by her loving husband Elmer; brothers, Farley, Averrell, Tony Thompson, Gabriel Moses, sisters, Glenda, Tamara Thompson, Carla Smart, Tatiana Ross; brother-in-law, Emanuel U. Ross, Jr., uncle Rudolph Watkins, host of nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to name. Order of Musical Prelude Officiating Opening Prayer Solo Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Obituary Reading Scriptures Thessalonians. 4:13 - 17 Special Tributes Eulogy Benediction Closing Solo Service Steve Johnson Reverend Marion Bennett Reverend Marion Bennett Kopoe Brown Emanuel Ross Jr. Silent Valerie Nelson Friends & Family Reverend Marion Bennett Reverend Marion Bennett Kopoe Brown I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. ~© Linda Jo Jackson- Special Thanks The family would like to thank the many relatives and friends for their flowers, cards, visits, calls, and many ways of sharing their love with us during this difficult time. Bypass will be held immediately following the service at 1910 Gold Hill Ave Las Vegas, NV 89101 BUNKERS Mortuaries, Cemeteries & Crematory