Janet Cotton Lindsey

Janet Cotton Lindsey, born on Thursday, October 31, 1946 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was the sixth child born to the Late Ella Jackson Cotton and the Late Thomas E. Cotton, Sr.  Surrounded by her family, Janet slipped away to eternity at the age of 75 on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware.

Janet grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended the Elizabeth Public Schools where she graduated in 1964 from the all-girls Battin High School. She attended Kean College before beginning a career in Customer Service at the Elizabethtown Gas Company. She continued her career at Hoechst Celanese that merged into AZ Electronics in Branchburg, New Jersey. She later retired from the same company now Clariant Corporation in Somerville, after  approximately 30 years of service.  In 1974, Janet married the Late Sylvester Theodore Lindsey and together they had two children, Michele Cotton Lindsey Bell and Anthony Jacob Jason Lindsey.

From a young age, Janet attended the Union Baptist Church in Elizabeth. She later became a member of the North Stelton A.M.E. Church in Piscataway, New Jersey where she served on the Senior Usher Board until her retirement. After retiring, Janet relocated to Dover, Delaware along with her two sisters, Elnora Singletary and Rev. Dr. Iola E. Williams.

Janet was a sensitive and welcoming woman who never failed to make friends wherever she lived. As a young adult and even in her later years, she enjoyed traveling, fine dining, board games and reading. She also loved listening to old gospel songs especially in her car. Janet had a deep love for her family and friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted daughter, a loyal sister, a caring aunt, and a faithful friend.  Her words of wisdom to her family and friends were to always “Keep the faith and stay true to yourself. Wait on the Lord and He will take it from there.”

She is survived by her daughter, Michele Cotton Lindsey Bell; her son, Anthony Jacob Jason Lindsey; her grandchildren: Calvin A. Bell, Jr., Kenneth T. Bell (Uzma), Lindsey V. Bell, Ravi Lindsey, X’zavier Lindsey, and Jaxon Lindsey; one great-grandson, Isaiah A. Bell; a forever son-in-love, Calvin A. Bell, Sr. (Aquanda); and a daughter-in-love, Myris Orillaza. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: Elnora Singletary (Lank); Alonzo Ellis Cotton (Kim); Thomas Elzie Cotton, Jr. (Patricia); and the Reverend Dr. Iola E. Williams; brother-in-law, Jerome Baker; three special cousins, Abdul-bari Ansari (Dianne); Delores Williams (Cliff), and Susan Washington; three beloved childhood friends, Alma Ward (Dan), Judi Roberts Stewart, and Rosalyn Little; two dear long-time friends, Marianne Stoeling and Susan Eckstein; and a great host of beloved nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, and her sisters, Dr. Margaret Cotton Olorunda and Oretha Cotton Baker.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Woodbridge Memorial Gardens Mauseoleum, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive (Route 1 North), Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095.

Condolences may be sent to Michele Bell at 1200 Station Drive, Apt. 1219, Avenel, New Jersey 07001; or to Reverend Dr. Iola E. Williams at 266 Josie Avenue, Dover, Delaware 19901.

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