Nelson Cottrell was born on March 31, 1942 to the late Aaron and Annie Parker Cottrell in Dodge, Texas. It was in Dodge where Nelson began receiving his early education. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in Huntsville, Texas, where he was a member of the class of 1960. He later attended Sam Houston State University and it was there that he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He also served in the United States Navy.

Nelson was employed by TDCJ for several years. He was later employed by the Harris County Probation Department where he retired. In the meantime, he started his own business, "Cottrell Pest Control", where he was gainfully employed for 36 years. He retired in 2019.

Nelson leaves to cherish his memories with his wife Ocia Greene-Cottrell, who he joined in holy matrimony in 2001; his daughter: Sandra Garrett; son: Dexter Thomas; step-son: Larry Wayne Thomas; siblings: Vivian Banks, Bernice Sanders, Barbara Walker (Lee), Betty Cottrell, Cecil Cottrell (Mary), Frank Cottrell (Demitria), Robert Lee (Linda), Walter Lee (Laura), Verna Philio (Billy), Cheryl Mock (Larry) and Keith Lee; in-laws: Joe Greene, Novia Jackson (Delbert), Charles Greene (Annie), Jesse Greene (Brenda) and Carolyn Greene; aunt: Bernice Justice, uncle: Tony Parker (Renee'); special friend: Patricia Sparks and Tony Harrison and a host of nieces, nephews, additional relatives and friends.

**This funeral service will be live streamed from St. Paul United Methodist Church on Facebook**