Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA

Obituary For Rev. William Lee Cottrell, Sr.

The Homegoing Service for Rev. W. L. Cottrell, Pastor Emeritus, Beulah Baptist Church, Atlanta, will be Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:00AM; Beulah Baptist Church, 170 Griffin Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30314. Entombment; Westview Abbey. A public viewing will be Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 3-6PM at the church. Rev. Cottrell served as Senior Pastor at Beulah Baptist Church for 53 years, where he touched the lives of innumerable congregation members and their families. Whether he was performing a wedding, dedicating a baby, visiting members in the hospital or comforting a grieving family, Rev. Cottrell had the unique ability to make all those he encountered feel his love, unflappable joy, and peace that came from his faith in God. As the old saying goes, “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Although Rev. Cottrell’s earthly life has reached its conclusion, his legacy continues in the lives and memories of the many people he cared for by offering words of encouragement and asking them in a way that only he could: “Have I told you lately that I love you?” He leaves to mourn: his faithful son; Christopher L. Cottrell (Pamela), daughter in-law; Cheryl Cottrell, granddaughters; Kiana Cottrell, Char’l Cottrell Joiner (Curtis), Dana Marie Cottrell Rattray (Camal), grandson; Christopher L. Cottrell, Jr. (Brittany); eight great grandchildren, and countless other beloveds. Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel.

Guest Book

Condolences to the Cottrell Family.

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Condolences to the family of Rev.Cottrell you were an inspiration to our family the Mclemore we all were Baptized at Beulah, you are so dear to our hearts, Love Ms, Jacqueline Mclemore's daughter of the Late Pearline Mclemore

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Reverend Cottrell was my other Hero. My Dad of course was my number one. Rev. Cottrell was there for all of my moments, baptism, graduations, weddings, births, christenings, deaths. He was always my cheerleader, my therapist, my friend. There is a hole that will never be filled. You will always be my Pastor. My condolences to the Cottrell and Beulah Family. He was an Original Wonder!

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My condolences to the Cottrell family i've been Knowing Rev. Cottrell since I was a baby he was like mine daddy he was my second daddy he was so sweet lovable kind caring person he baptize me and my daughter he used to call me little bit I can go on and on about this wonderful man love always going to miss you i'm bout to tear up so I'm gonna start right here from your little bit Keyshaon Wells

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We love you, The Strickland Family Marian, Bitika, and Cynthia

- Marian Strickland

I joined Beulah Baptist when I was 12 years old, and Rev. Cottrell baptized me. In June 1968 he performed the wedding ceremony for my husband and me, and my husband joined Beulah and he baptized him. I will be praying for the family. Eloise P. Banks

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Deepest condolences to the Beulah & Cottrell family. He was a very inspiring & warm person.

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Rev. Cottrell christened me as a baby. I was born in June of 1963. My mom who was a long time member until her death 12, 2020, Mrs. Mary Strong, would remind of that. I later became a member. My condolences & prayers are with the family. Lisa Downer

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To the family of Rev.Cottrell you all are in my thoughts and prayers Eternal rest granted unto his soul and may the perpetual light shine upon him forever.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA