Joretta (Floyd) Cotten, born on June 2^nd, 1931, the third of nine children to the late Willie and Beulah Floyd in Youngstown, Ohio, affectionately known as Jo.

Joretta attended South High School in Youngstown, Ohio. After school, she began dating her husband of 57 years Ronald Cotten, Sr. (deceased), and they were married June 26, 1954. Shortly thereafter, the young couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio. This union of 57 years welcomed four children; Carol Ann, Cathy, Ronald Hollis, Jr. (deceased), and Michael, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Joretta was a devoted wife and mother who fully raised her children before seeking secular work outside the home. She started her working career part-time at Square D Factory in the cafeteria for fours year and then retired from Rolero, Inc. She gave her life to Christ at 14 years of age, attending the AME St. Andrews Church, in Youngstown. Upon moving to Cleveland, she became a devoted member of the Lee-Seville Baptist Church.

A woman filled with love – Jo was the matriarch of her family, and she defined family as anyone she had the chance to meet. She was known to her show love by baking cakes, catering and hosting parties, being a confidant, and taking in anyone who just needed a moment of motherly love. Her works of generosity and catering were often on display during the Floyd Brothers Family Reunions, and in organizing the Glenpark Ave. Street Club.

Joretta deeply loved and was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She continuously made time to love, nurture, and provide a leading example of gratitude.

She leaves her loving children: Carol Thompson, Cathy Cotten, Ronald Cotten, Jr. (deceased) (Kimberly), Michael Cotten (Denise). Grandchildren: Joel Thompson, II, Darnell Thompson, Lauren Cotten, Devin H. Cotten, Desiarary Cotten and Branden Cotten. Great grandchildren: Aliyah Thompson, Jaron Thompson, Jamir Thompson and Jaren Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and three surviving siblings Ethel Pusey, Yolanda Jenkins and Lamont T. Floyd. She was preceded in death by her siblings Wilma Brown, Willie Oliver Jr., Alfred, Louis, Julia and Cornelius Floyd.