Ethel Mae Cotton was born March 1 , 1945 to Emma Mae and Brent Talley in Harris County, Georgia. As a Christian, she was educated at St. Ann Catholic School and Sumner High School, both in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a fashion model for a short while, then attended nursing school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Ethel was in the nursing field for over 30 years until she retired. She enjoyed life and loved to travel.

Ethel had three children: Andrae, Annette and Alfonzo (Mary) Cotton. She was also a mother to Tony (Kim), Cheryl (Thomas) and Clifford Brandon.

Ethel departed this life, Sunday, July 21, 2019. She is preceded in death by both parents; brother, Robert Whitaker, Jr.; and sister, Sabrina.

Ethel leaves to cherish her memory: her children, her grandchildren, Rashad, Christopher, Nicole, Allison, Ian, and Christopher (J.J.); her niece, Peggy; her nephews, Darryl and Derrick Phillips; five siblings; Mary Pierce (Haywood), Ernestine (Ray), Ella-Jean, Nathaniel, and George; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and work friends.