William Claude “WC” Cottingham
October 10, 1937 – May 13, 2026
Willie Claudie “WC” Cottingham was born on October 10, 1937, in Liberty Hill, Louisiana, to the late Mrs. Carrie Cottingham and Mr. Claudie Cottingham. He was preceded in death by his sister, Annie Louise Cottingham-Garner, and is survived by his sister, Virginia Matthews of Hodge, Louisiana.
A dedicated and hardworking man, WC attended Bienville Parish Schools and graduated from Shady Grove High School in 1956. He married the late Maxine Cottingham in 1961, sharing a life filled with love and laughter.
WC’s career began at the Saw Mill in Dodson, and he later worked as a Woodyard Operator at the Hodge Paper Mill from 1975 until his retirement in 2009. He also worked seasonally for the Town of Hodge and, more recently, for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office until his medical leave in February 2026.
A man of faith, WC’s love for Christ was nurtured at Sand Hill Baptist Church, where he was a dedicated member until his passing. His strong faith and love for the Lord guided him throughout his life.
Outside of work, WC enjoyed outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn, working on DIY house projects, working on his vehicles, hanging Christmas lights, and fishing—his favorite pastime.
He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and cherished memories to his family and friends, including Virginia Matthews, Cedrick Garner, Reginald Garner, Onteryl Mason-Garner, Colander Garner, Jenna Garner, Danielle Copeland, Cham Thompson, Rylee Austin, Sherry Copeland, Taylor Harris, Justin Harris, Cameron Harris, Dai Garner, Ron Garner, Brenda Mallard, Lawanda Traxler, Sonya Garner-Sykes, Monica Matthews, the late Willie “Billy” Garner, Tyrone Jones, Cherly Williams, Toya Jones, Nalaei Nagawo, and a host of cousins and friends.
The Homecoming Celebration will take place from 9:00 – 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 19th, at Sand Hill Baptist Church, located at 730 Sand Hill Road in Quitman, LA. The Life Celebration service, officiated by Reverend Don Calloway and Pastors Bently Williams, Austin Ballott III, and Craig Jenkins, will follow. Interment will be at the Sand Hill Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Pallbearers will be Josh Traxler, Kevin Traxler, Shannon Lard, and Gerry Mims, with Lonnie Houston, Johnny Winston, and Chuncy Mason as Honorary Pallbearers.
Horace Alvin Lee Jr.
December 3, 1969 – May 5, 2026
Horace Alvin Lee Jr. went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2026, at the age of 56 years old. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, May 16th, at the Chapel of the Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.