Junius Carlton Cotton, 77, Fort Washington

Friday, July 3, 2009

Born Dec. 7, 1931, in Scotland Neck, N.C., he was the son of the late William Henry and the late Mayner Pope Cotton.

Mr. Cotton attended elementary and secondary school in Scotland Neck, N.C. He was baptized and became a member of the Mary's Chapel Baptist Church. He married and spent his young adult life raising his sons and managing a successful farm. Always the entrepreneur, he also owned and operated Buddy's Thriftyway Market, a small grocery store. The store was a convenience to the community, especially to those who couldn't drive to larger stores. His family worked diligently to help him in all of his business endeavors.

His pride and joy was Buddy's Paradise, a restaurant with dancing and live bands.

In 1967, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he met the love of his life, Melvina. They were married for 31 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James "Jimmy" Cotton and sons, Fred, Carlton and Aaron.

He is survived by his wife, Melvina; sister, Juanita Clark; son, Louis Hyman; daughters-in-law, Debbie Cotton and Anna Hyman; special niece, Gloria McColl; three sisters-in-law; seven brothers-in-law; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four nieces; three nephews; and many other relatives.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. July 6 at Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs. The Rev. John Parker will officiate. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton.

Arrangements are being handled by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Waldorf.