Cottrell Alberton Wesson peacefully passed away at the age of seventy-seven in the arms of his daughter, Kimberly on January 24, 2024, in Vinton, Louisiana. Cottrell was affectionately nicknamed "Priest which eventually transitioned into The High Priest," but was often called "the Professor."

Cottrell was born on October 5, 1946, to Stephen. and Eula May Wesson. He was one of four children: Stephen (late), Barbara "Celestine" (late), and Norman. On December 7, 1968, Cottrell married his college sweetheart Sylvia Jean Goines. From this union Stephen Anthony and Kimberly Nicole were born. Later, Cottrell adopted his third child, Louis Hill.

Cottrell graduated from Frederick Douglas High school. He was an exceptional athlete and was drafted for the San Francisco Dodgers baseball team. He enlisted in the United States Airforce and served during the Vietnam error. Cottrell continued his education and graduated from Morgan State University where he completed his undergraduate studies. He returned to school and earned his Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Later, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he pursued post-graduate studies. For the bulk of his career, Cottrell taught Social Work at Morgan State University. He was a gifted and natural born teacher who spent many hours outside of the classroom helping his students. Even after his students graduated, he continued to assist them whether it was with graduate studies or on the workforce. During his latter years, he worked for Baltimore City Department of Housing.

Cottrell was a brilliant writer. He was a successful grant writer and is responsible for numerous nonprofit organizations being funded in Maryland. He enjoyed going to the racetrack and had a knack for giving people unique nicknames.

Cottrell's reverence for education and community service was a testament to his unwavering love of teaching others. He was truly a kindred spirit who had a kind and giving heart. He was humble in nature and would give anyone his very last. His door was always open, and he provided a home for so many people to live. He was not materialistic and viewed success differently from others. He did not drive a car and often walked to his destinations. To him success was helping others to achieve their goals. He valued investing in people, building relationships, and providing for his family. No one has ever heard him say a curse word or talk negatively about another person.

He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Wesson Sr., mother, Eula May Jennings, brother Stephen Jr., sister, Barbara Celestine Bowles, and wife Sylvia Jean Wesson.

Cottrell is survived by his children: Stephen "Doc" Wesson of Wilson, NC, Dr. Kimberly "B" Wesson-Guidry (Demetrius) of Vinton, Louisiana, Louis "El Stinkleton" Hill of Baltimore, MD, brother, Norman Wesson Sr., grandchildren: Kyahnah "Greedy Girl", Alondre' "Run a Little", Kahlil "Fatman", Christopher "Box Head," Cottrell "Rope a Dope," Arie, Louis Jr., Tierra, Destiny, Kaleb and a host of family and friends.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Morgan State University Chapel.