“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Caleb Zechariah Cotman, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Wee Wee,” was born on November 21, 2007, in Williamsburg, Virginia, to his loving parents, LaShanda Dobson and Roy Cotman. On August 7, 2026, at just 18 years old, Caleb’s earthly journey came to an end, leaving behind a family and community who will forever cherish the love, laughter, and memories he gave so freely.
Caleb was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, and proudly graduated from Lafayette High School as a member of the Class of 2026. Anyone who truly knew Wee Wee knew that he was full of personality. He was bubbly, playful, loved to talk, and could bring laughter and energy wherever he went. His presence was one that could be felt, and his family will forever miss hearing his voice, his jokes, and simply having him around.
One of Caleb’s greatest passions was cooking. The kitchen was truly his happy place. He didn’t just enjoy making food; he loved making food for the people he loved. Nothing made him happier than having family come over, preparing a meal for everyone, and watching them enjoy something he made with his own hands. Cooking was one of Caleb’s ways of showing love and bringing everyone together. The meals he prepared, the smells coming from the kitchen, and the moments spent gathered around enjoying his food will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family.
When Caleb wasn’t in the kitchen, you could often find him doing something else he loved: riding his four-wheelers and dirt bikes or relaxing and playing his PlayStation 5. He loved having fun, outdoor activities, and enjoying life. He also shared a special bond with his beloved French Bulldog, Buttercup, who held a very special place in his heart.
Above everything else, Caleb loved family. He loved when everyone came over, when the house was full, and when the people he cared about were together. Some of the simplest moments of Wee Wee in the kitchen cooking, talking, and joking, everyone eating together, and laughter filling the house have now become some of the most precious memories his family will carry with them forever.
Caleb leaves to cherish his beautiful memory with his loving parents, LaShanda Dobson and Roy Cotman; his siblings, Adrien Cotman, Johnathon Cotman, Roy Cotman Jr., Faith Johnson, Brooklyn Barnes, Rashawn Hampton, Demoni Jones, Ania Tyler, and Dijon Boyd; his beloved nieces and nephews, Kobi Cotman, Remy Cotman, Lola Cotman, Autumn Cotman, Journei Woodley, Elaya Cotman, Ivari Hampton, Amier Hampton, Emereigh Hampton, Miyani Hampton, Jersi Cotman, Jaxton Cotman, Karter Jones, and Ma’lia Rose Boyd; his very special friend Niara Davis; loving aunts, Aurelia Craddock (Steven Craddock), Angela Otey, Tracy Baker, and Bernice Cotmon; uncles Johnnie Dobson and Joseph Baker Jr.; bonus aunts, Tracy Tate, Tracy Bridgeforth, Shaunessy Coles, Sandra Piggott-Walker, and Bobbi Brown; bonus uncle Jamarico Chapman; godbrother Kenny Edwards; and a host of other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Caleb also shared special bonds with those who held an important place in his heart, including his devoted cousins Davion “Danny” Jones and Terrell “Teeze” Tabb; his best friends and cousins, Nyaijah Wallace, Shamar Welsh, and Darius Frazier.
Caleb was preceded in death by his grandparents, Katie and Johnnie Dobson and Joan and Joseph Baker; his uncle Carlton Cotman; his aunt and uncle, Queen and Willie Johnson; and his aunt Sheila Baker.
Although Caleb’s life was far too short, the love, laughter, and memories he created during his 18 years will last a lifetime. His family will remember him every time they gather around a table, every time someone prepares a meal with love, every time they hear the sound of a dirt bike or four-wheeler, and through all of the little moments that remind them of their Wee Wee.
Caleb was a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a best friend, and so much more. To his family, he will forever be Wee Wee—the bubbly, talkative young man who loved to cook, loved to ride, loved his Buttercup, and, most of all, loved his family.
His chair may be empty, but his place within this family can never be filled.
Forever 18. Forever loved. Forever our Wee Wee.
A memorial service to celebrate Caleb’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Williamsburg Community Chapel.
