Funeral Services for Rev. Charles Harold Cottrell, 68, were held Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 11:00am at St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church, 7435 County Rd 42, Ward, AL 36922 with Rev. Willie Vines officiating.  The internment followed in Ward Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery, 8541 Pine Grove Rd, Ward, AL 36922.

Rev. Charles H. Cottrell was born August 25, 1956 to Theodore Cottrell and Daisey Steele.  He heard the voice of God calling him to mone from his earthly life to his heavenly home on April 19, 2025.  He was preceded in death by his son, Dertrick Cottrell and his parents, Theodore Cottrell and Daisey Steele.

Rev. Charles spent his career as a truck driver for over 40 years after serving in the United States Marines. He attended Lomax Hannon College in Greenville, AL where he completed a course of study in Ministry for the Jefferson District in 1998.  He served as a lawful and faithful minister with a deep reverence for God for over 30 years.

He leaves behind his legacy to be forever remembered by: his wife, Emma Cottrell; seven children, Aneka Chess (Andrew), Charlikis Keeton (Marcus), Yutaka Chess, Chavares Chess, Charles Chess (Arielle), LaDarius Hildred (Quoneshia); two godsons, Anfernee Chess and JaQuan Chess; 13 grandchildren; six siblings, Odis Cottrell (Barbara), Sharon Cottrell (Eskio), Doretia Jones (Demetrius), Thelma Carlisle (lovell), Ellawease Ford, Tatina Thompson; and a host of other relatives and friends.