Deacon Jonathan Caleb Cotten

Jonathan C. Cotten Obituary Jonathan Caleb Cotten, affectionately known as Caleb, was born on August 23,1978 in New Haven, CT to Bishop W. Vance Cotten Sr. and the late Julie Ann Bell. He was the brother to Joshua (Sana), JonPaul, JulieAnne, and the late W. Vance Cotten, Jr., and became a bonus son to Reverend Dr. Kim L. Cotten. Caleb spent much of his life in both New Haven and Middletown, CT surrounded by family, friends, and communities that deeply loved him. In 2021, he and his lovely wife, Danielle Cotten made the decision to move with their three sons, Kalen, Kamren, and Karter to Lawrenceville, GA where they found themselves among yet another loving community. His family is devastated by the sudden loss of his life on April 9, 2024. Caleb had a profound love of God and showed it through his enthusiastic commitments as a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Middletown, CT and New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, GA where he dedicated his time through the Men’s, Media, A.C.T.S., and Security Ministries. He also shared his voice in the Men’s and Mass Choirs. Caleb gained his musical talents from his grandmother, Mrs. Jessie Powell, and his entrepreneurial mind from his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Browning. He was also dearly loved by his late grandparents Bishop Jonathan Powell and Deacon and Mother Edward Lee Cotten. For 22 years, Caleb served the youth and children of New Haven, CT as Dean of Students at Hyde and Common Ground High Schools and Wexler Elementary School. In Lawrenceville, GA he served as a paraprofessional at Taylor Elementary School. Outside of the classroom, he was also a devoted coach of the Collins Hills football team. Caleb believed in the transformative power of mentorship in the lives of young people and felt called to work with students whose brilliance often went unseen and undersupported. In addition to being an exemplary husband, father, son, and brother, he was passionately present in the lives of his godchildren Trevaughn West, Cherish Richardson, Breanne Evans, Tamiya King, and Vanessa Mack. To Caleb, they were not just his godchildren, but his children. He embodied what it means to love unconditionally, hold unwavering faith, and give freely with open arms and an open heart. He was an encourager, confidant, and mentor and had a deep love for people. There wasn’t a person that he didn’t meet which he didn’t come to call friend as he carried and shared a strong belief that community equals family. Those who knew him and loved him well would say that he was never (ever) at a loss for words. While his death, in turn, has left the hearts of his family speechless, they are grateful for the time that God gave them to experience his life, spirit, presence, and infectious laugh and smile. Caleb will be greatly missed. His family appreciates the outpouring of comfort, love, and support during this difficult time. In honoring and celebrating Caleb’s life, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to future scholarships supporting the students of New Haven, CT.

Deacon Jonathan Caleb Cotten

August 23, 1978 - April 9, 2024