- News Archive
We are thankful for our Still Hopes Retirement Home in West Columbia, SC residents… and we often hear the same reciprocated from them. But every once in a while we get to hear it from the adult children of our residents. And this Thanksgiving when the CDC is discouraging large gatherings, feeling the love and gratitude from the family of our residents resonates even more.
Jeannie Clifton is the daughter of the Honorable Edward B. Cottingham, a resident in the River Banks neighborhood in Greenway at Still Hopes. Her father’s first move into the life plan community was in an independent living cottage in October 2008. Clifton and her brother, Edward B. Cottingham, Jr., saw that Judge Cottingham bonded quickly with staff and fellow residents - even spotting a fraternity brother in the Still Hopes Bistro on the very first day. New friends greeted him as well - and he quickly settled into his community.
“My dad is one of the most optimistic and positive people I know, and finds a way to be content in every situation, whatever it may be,” Jeannie said.
But Judge Cottingham has been more than just content at Still Hopes - he has thrived.
Clifton said over the past 12 years he’s become a fixture in the community. He engages with fellow residents and enjoys not just sharing his story, but learning theirs. He likes to talk about the law, but he also loves to learn about history. He has attended parties and lectures and dance lessons - often serving as the only male dance partner. And every year, he makes an appearance at the Still Hopes July 4th outdoor celebration as Uncle Sam, stirring patriotic sentiments in a crowd of peers who have shared a first-hand look at some of our nation’s biggest changes over the decades.
He has also made some close friendships. Like fellow Still Hopes resident Lou Sossamon. The late Gamecock great and All-American was regularly spotted at the University of South Carolina baseball games with Judge Cottingham.
“He easily made new friends, and they became good friends,” said Clifton. “He found that Still Hopes was filled with interesting people just like him.”
And Judge Cottingham is interesting. He joined the U.S. Navy right out of high school because he wanted to see the world, serving on an aircraft carrier and in the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre. Upon discharge, he attended the University of South Carolina, graduating from the School of Law in 1953. He was named to the USC Debate Team Hall of Fame… and those skills paid off. He practiced law in Bennettsville for 32 years, and was elected Resident Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, serving there until his retirement in 2000. He continued in the capacity of Active Retired Judge until 2014, six years after moving to Still Hopes. Adding to an already impressive personal history, Judge Cottingham also served as the youngest member of the SC House of Representative from 1954-1958 and again in 1966-1972. He also served as the state Highway Commission chairman, engaged in numerous community affairs, and is a lifetime member of the the First Methodist Church in Bennettsville.
Judge Cottingham is adored by both of his children, and his six grandchildren - who have often been spotted dancing, eating or mingling with their grandfather and his friends at Still Hopes. And on Christmas Eve, he will meet his four-month-old great-grandaughter for the very first time.
But life hasn’t always been easy - he lost his beloved wife, Iris, two years after moving to Still Hopes. His eyesight has diminished over the years from macular degeneration. He has also battled and won against stage-3 esophageal cancer.
“Daddy is as sharp as a tack and he has a wonderful sense of humor. And he has an uncanny ability to rally others to his cause,” Clifton added and laughed. “He has no lack of confidence!”
Clifton said his resilience and sense of humor have paid off during Covid.
“Daddy has a fun loving spirit despite the curve balls. And Still Hopes has helped. It’s provided a safe place filled with compassionate and professional people who respect the residents and take the time to get to know them. They have done a great job with communicating during Covid, having honest conversations with us about how he is doing and how he is feeling.”
“His family is grateful. And he is grateful,” Clifton continued. “He has said more times than he can count, ‘Don’t worry about me. They are good to me and they take good care of me.’ What more could you ask for?”
Here at Still Hopes, we are grateful for Judge Cottingham and to his daughter, Jeannie Clifton, for sharing his story with us. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our residents and their families!