Michael Cotton was born on November 12, 1962 in Elizabethtown North Carolina to both of his parents Joyce Ann Cotton and Gerald Andrew Lesane who both preceded him in death. Michael was educated in the Bladen County School system until he moved to New York. He then attended August Martin High School. After his graduation, he then joined the United States Military. After serving in the military, he was accepted to Syracuse University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. Later, Michael attended Long Island University and received a master's degree in Public Health Administration.

When Michael was attending high School, he met his wife Louise Anne Greene, they were high school sweethearts who then later married on June 4th, 1988. From their union two children were born; Michael Eugene Cotton Jr. and Katelynn Alva Mae Cotton.

Michael was an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He was working toward founding a new chapter on Long Island. He was also a member of the Boyer Lodge #1 -- Most Worshipful Prince Hall Masons of New York. Michael was employed at New York City Health and hospitals corporation at Woodhull Hospital where he was a senior staff analyst.

Michael is survived by his wife Louise Cotton, his son Michael Eugene Cotton Jr. and his daughter Katelynn Alva Mae Cotton; His aunt and uncle Booker T. Cotton and Carolyn Mathis; his brother Gerald Lesane, his sister Lataisha McKay and his nephew Sean Lesane. Michael will be missed by so many of his cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as a host of friends, neighbors and colleagues. The Cotton family would like to extend its gratitude to all the friends and family who have shown such love and support through this difficult time.

Respectfully submitted the Family of Michael Cotton