Community mourns the passing of longtime emergency room physician and EMS leader Dr. Aaron Cotten
The Lenoir County community is mourning the passing of Dr. Aaron Cotten, a beloved physician, educator, and leader whose impact spanned decades in medicine, emergency services, and public health.
Dr. Cotten was born on August 12, 1955, in Sanford, North Carolina, to Shirley May Cotten and was raised by his great-grandparents. From an early age, he was told, “Boy, you could be a doctor,” a phrase that shaped his lifelong pursuit of learning and service.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Cotten served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic and dental technician in New Jersey. In 1976, he enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Professional Biology and Biology Education. He continued to serve in the Air National Guard until 1980 and taught science at Pembroke High School for two years before completing a master’s degree in Chemistry and Nutrition at NC A&T.
At age 36, Dr. Cotten fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician, earning his medical degree from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine in 1992. After completing an internship at Howard University and a residency in Emergency Medicine at ECU Health Medical Center, he joined UNC Health Lenoir in 1995, where he has served the community ever since.
Over his remarkable career, Dr. Cotten held many key roles. He served as the Medical Examiner for Lenoir and Greene counties for 25 years, EMS Director for Lenoir County, and Medical Director of EMS Studies at Lenoir Community College, mentoring generations of emergency medical professionals. His leadership helped shape the emergency response systems that residents depend on today.
“Dr. Cotten has been a cornerstone of care at UNC Health Lenoir for nearly three decades,” said Beverly Jenkins, UNC Health Lenoir spokesperson. “His dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community went far beyond the walls of the hospital. He led with compassion, steadiness, and a genuine love for helping others. His legacy will continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege to work alongside him.”
Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers also reflected on Dr. Cotten’s deep personal impact. “Dr. Cotten has been there for my family in ways that go way beyond medicine,” Rogers said. “Anytime we’ve needed help, advice, or support, he’s shown up without hesitation. He’s one of those rare people who’s always steady, always kind, and always looking out for others. That kind of reliability is rare, and we don’t take it for granted.”
In addition to his medical service, Dr. Cotten was active in numerous community and fraternal organizations. He was a proud Shriner at the Faza Temple in Greenville and a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., affiliated with the Iota Nu Nu chapter in Greenville. His dedication to service extended far beyond his profession, reflecting his lifelong belief in giving back to others.
Dr. Cotten met his wife, Vanessa, on February 11, 1977, and the couple married on August 5, 1986. Together, they raised four children—Tarsha, Aaron II, Adriane, and Ashlyn—and built a large, close-knit family with sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Those who knew Dr. Cotten describe him as a man of quiet strength, curiosity, and faith. Whether caring for patients in the emergency room, mentoring students at LCC, or sharing fishing stories with his grandchildren, he lived a life rooted in service and gratitude.
Arrangements for Dr. Cotten will be announced by the family at a later date.
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