The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce the death of Mrs. Melvina Harrison- Cotten, 68, of Ridgeway.  

Mrs. Cotten transitioned into eternity Saturday morning September 23, 2017, at her residence  peacefully surrounded by her loving family. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Cotten will be held at White Oak Baptist Church #1, 520 White Oak Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.   Interment will follow in the church cemetery.   

Melvina Joan Harrison-Cotten was the daughter of the late Nick and Gertrude Harrison.  Mel, as she was affectionately known, was born November 26, 1948 and departed this earthly life on September 23, 2017.

Mel was educated at Gordon Elementary and Fairfield High School.   She was a member of the Fairfield High School Graduation Class of 1967.   After graduation from high school, Mel moved to Washington, DC where she was employed as a nanny for the Gladden’s children.  After several years working as a nanny, Mel left that position and became a United States Postal Worker.  She was always ready for a challenge which led her to begin a career with the US Department of Justice where she worked for 34 years before retiring.

Before moving to Washington, DC, Mel was a member of White Oak Baptist Church #1 where she sang on the choir and was a member of the Sunday School.   While residing in Maryland, Mel was affiliated with Central Baptist Church in Camp Springs, MD. 

Mel was the widow of Junious Cotten.  After her husband passed, Mel moved back to South Carolina and she reunited with the White Oak Baptist Church #1.

Those left to cherish her memories are:  five brothers, Thomas (Gloria) Harrison, Richard Harrison, Ulysses (Lisa) Harrison all of Winnsboro, SC, Bobby (Anna) Harrison of Waterbury, CT and David Harrison of West Columbia, SC; three sisters, Johnnie Mae Jackson and Minnie L. (Henry) Martin of Winnsboro, SC and Betty Jean (James) Able of Ridgeway, SC; two sisters-in-law, Juanita Clark of Washington, DC and Ella Harrison of Winnsboro, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Mel was preceded in death by five brothers, Chambers Harrison, Frank Harrison, Willie Harrison, James Harrison and Nick Harrison, Jr.

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