John W. Cothern, 71, of Arrington, Tennessee – formerly of Memphis, Tennessee – passed away Saturday evening September 21, 2019 surrounded by his family.
John was born February 21, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee to Henry and Juanita (Bell) Cothern. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1966 and obtained both his Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis. He worked as an Attorney and Business Administrator at the University of Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University; retiring in 2016. John was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and loved genealogy. He was a published author; researching and writing about Confederate Soldiers and Veterans buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis.
John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Deborah Cothern; along with two children, John and Catherine Cothern, and Joanie and Marshall DeWitt; three grandchildren; Alyssa, Aiden and Olivia; brother Burt Cothern; brother-in-law Joe Sorensen; and many loving nieces, nephews and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Juanita, and sister, Ann Sorensen.
Graveside service will be held, at a future date, in Memphis, Tennessee at Forest Hill East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a gift may be made to either the University of Memphis or Middle Tennessee State University General Scholarship Funds. Services in care of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home 615-794-2289 www.williamsonmemorial.com
