Charley Gerald "Jerry" Cotton was at Baptist Medical Center when he peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 13, 2013. “Jerry,” as he was known and loved, was 73 years old and is survived by his beloved wife, Suzi and son, Brent (Beverly).
Jerry served for many years as the President of Baptist Medical Center and Executive Vice President of Baptist Health Systems in Jackson, Mississippi. In the final years of his career, Jerry was the CEO of Baptist Medical Center – Leake in Carthage, Mississippi.
All who knew Jerry, knew that his passion was people and the Christian Healing Ministry of Baptist and its Physicians, Nurses and Staff. It is fitting that in his final days Jerry was cared for by the healing hands of those he worked with, loved and served.
In his last Leadership Tip of the Day Jerry wanted to include the following Scripture in III John vs.13 – 14: I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you: But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends here salute you. Greet my friends there in my name.
Visitation will be held Sun. Sept. 15, 2013 from 2pm-5pm at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS and from 11am-12:45pm. on Mon. Sept. 16, 2013 at Pinelake Church in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm. Mon. Sept. 16, 2013 at Pinelake Church in Brandon, MS with a 3:30pm. graveside service to follow at the County Line Cemetery in Union, MS.
Jerry was a native of Macon, MS and after graduating from high school he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University and a Masters degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Healthcare Administration.
In 1990, Jerry was named the Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Medical Center Jackson, MS. He became Executive Vice President of Baptist Health Systems in 1997 and President of Baptist Medical Center. In 2009, he “retired,” but that really wasn’t the case. He then served as Executive Vice President for Baptist Health Systems Regional Networks. In 2011, he assumed the duties as Administrator for Baptist Medical Center Leake in Carthage, MS and continued his life’s calling of his healing ministry, and helping everyone in the community work together for the good of all.
Jerry was involved in the hospital industry since 1963. His experience prior to assuming his duties at Baptist include the simultaneous management of North Pickens County Hospital, Reform, Alabama and South Pickens County Hospital, Aliceville, Alabama; administrator of Choctaw General Hospital and Nursing Home, Butler, Alabama; assistant administrator of University Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi; Senior Vice President, Medical Center East, Birmingham, Alabama; and Vice President-New Ventures, Baptist Health Systems Birmingham, Alabama.
As a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Jerry received the 2005 ACHE’s Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award. He served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Mississippi Hospital Association. He was a past Chairman of the Board and member of the Board of Directors for Mississippi Health Partners. He served as Chairman of the Board of North Midtown CDC and was on the boards of Greater Belhaven Improvement Foundation, Mississippi Health Partners, Hospice Ministries, Goodwill Industries, Mississippi Brain Injury Association, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Suzi Cotton; his son, Brent Cotton (Beverly); his two brothers, Dan Cotton and Dennis Cotton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Health Foundation at 1225 North State St. Jackson, MS 39202: www.MBHS.org/foundation.