Rebecca Randolph Cotman Christian, 92, entered into eternal rest on June 13, 2026.
Rebecca was born on April 22, 1934, the third of eleven children, born to William Taft Cotman, Sr., and Savannah Virginia Adkins Cotman. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Prince Edward Cotman (Infant), Helen Marie Cotman McCray, and William Taft Cotman, Jr.; her beloved husband of 70 years, Edmond Christian, Sr.; and her son, Edmond Christian, Jr.
Rebecca graduated from Ruthville High School in 1951. She later earned her nursing credentials through St. Philip Hospital and received certification in nursing from the Medical College of Viginia. She dedicated many years of service to the Charles City County American Red Cross Bloodmobile, caring for others with compassion and commitment.
At an early age, Rebecca accepted Christ as her Savior, and was baptized at Little Elam Baptist Church. In 1967, she joined Cedar Grove Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in various capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher. In her later years, she became a member of Samaria Baptist Church and enjoyed worshipping alongside family and friends.
Rebecca’s home was a place of warmth, love, and hospitality. She believed there were no strangers – only family and friends. Everyone was welcomed to her table, where she always had plenty of food and fellowship for whoever stopped by for a visit.
Rebecca was a woman of many gifts, and she had a deep love for her family. She enjoyed sewing and lovingly made clothes for her children, and other family members. She was known affectionately as the family’s “dentist,” as many relatives brought their children to her to help pull loose teeth. Her grandchildren fondly remember that whenever she tried to settle them down for a nap, she would sing “Pass Me Not” and “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.” Those cherished memories will forever remain in their hearts.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Joyce C. Charity, and her family, Joseph, Lanisha, Julian, Brooke, Judith, and Jewell; her daughter, Lisa C. Brown, and son-in-law, Kevin Sr., and their family, Kevin, Jr., Brandi, Leah, Reggie, Erika, and Jacob; her bonus daughter, Norma Perdue, and her husband, Jesse Purdue; 12 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings, Elizabeth Haith (Ross), Catherine Rich, Jean Taylor (David), Ruth Bethune (Charles), Savannah Bowen (Larry), Gayle Jones, and Robert E. Cotman, Sr.; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Muriel Adkins, Brad Bradby, Karen Canaday, Esther Cannada, Anne and Michael Holmes, Merle and Drue Holmes, Michelle Sweeney, and Roger and Chelene Wynn and daughters; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Rebecca lived a life rooted in faith, guided by love, and dedicated to serving others. Whether through her nursing, her advocacy for children, her devotion to her church, or the countless ways she cared for family and friends, she left an imprint on every life she touched. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and generous heart will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the lives she impacted, and the God she faithfully served. Though she has departed from this earthly life, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rebecca’s memory to Samaria Baptist Church, or the Chickahominy Indian Tribe Elder’s Fund.
