On August 12, 1923, a beautiful flower "Juanita (Colbert) Cottrell" was planted on earth through (parents) McKinley Sr. and Carrie Lee (Griffin) Colbert in Boynton, OK. But God had need of a flower that blossomed through services to its fellowman; a flower with fragrances that lifted the fallen. A flower that glowed with colors of unconditional love, and a flower that found the good in all things. And on July 31, 2015 he plucked that beautiful flower and she is now apart of His beautiful bouquet.

Juanita was reared in Boynton, OK and received her education in OLee School. Juanita confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized.

Upon adulthood she moved to Morris, OK and later made her home in Okmulgee, Ok. In l939 she met and married Felma Tucker, and in mid 1940's they both united with the New Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Rev. Morris Behn. In 1954 Mr. Tucker passed away. No children were born to this union.

In 1958 she met and married "William Cottrell". Even though Juanita never had biological children she helped raise William's five children as her own. "She was Mother", and she loved every minute of it. Juanita loved serving the Lord, and served in many capacities in the church. She served on the Usher board, Sunday School teacher, served as Mission president and teacher of the Jr. Mission, member of the Deaconess Board, Church Anniversary Co-chair, choir and kitchen committee. She also held several positions in the SWCL District Association. In the 1980's she and another member were instrumental in initiating the celebration of the New Salem Baptist Church's anniversary which continues to date.

As a teacher Juanita shared much knowledge of the Word and spiritual wisdom. She would tell the young women (old ones too) about obeying the Word and if you were out of order she would kindly let you know. Juanita loved and enjoyed her family and was help to many of them. Juanita had a humorous but serious personality and everyone enjoyed being around her. She enjoyed fishing, canning, quilting and cooking. Everyone looked forward to her 3 layered homemade cake and that pot of greens and we can't forget that "famous purse" which at all times had a chicken leg, small box of raisins and candy in it.

Juanita was a domestic worker. Her early employment was with Dr. Tracewell and others and her last employment was with the late Judge Maley until her health began to fail. Her employment was a personal choice because her husband provided everything she needed and wanted.

In December 1998 she moved her membership from New Salem to St. Matthews Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. McKinley Rice. She loved her new church home and continued her service for the Lord, serving a term as Sr. Mission President and Chairperson of the Deaconess Board. Juanita attended until her health no longer permitted.

Preceding her in death are: her parents, four brothers, Freddie (T-Tot), William, Elzia Lee and John Henry, four sisters: Marie, Florida Mae, Willie Lee (Sister) and Izella and one daughter, Thomasine.

She leaves to witness her Home Going: her husband of 57 years, Deacon William Cottrell, one son, William Lovell (Jeraldine) Cottrell, Spencer, OK; three daughters, Edna Gannon, J. Elizabeth (Preston) McHenry, Tulsa, OK; Loretta (Tim) Ellis, St. Louis, Missouri; a special niece, Claudetta Wallace, of the home; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; and several generations of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A Home Going Celebration will be conducted Saturday, August 8, 2015, 11:00 a.m., St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 E. Chicago, Okmulgee, OK; with Rev. McKinley Rice, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Sharps Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home.