Pastor Demetri M. Cotton

Senior Pastor of Goodwill Baptist Church

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Pastor Demetri Cotton grew up as the younger of two sons of educators in the Fort Worth Independent School District. His early interest in art led him to study both art and computer science at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University–Commerce. During college he met Brenda McDowell, whom he later married.

After college, the couple settled in Dallas. Pastor Cotton taught art at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas ISD for 30 years before retiring. Alongside his teaching career, his interest in Scripture deepened, and he earned a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2000.

In 2000, he was called to pastor the historic Goodwill Baptist Church. His ministry reflects a commitment to serving God and showing compassion to the surrounding community.

A Message from Our Pastor

Pastor Cotton expresses gratitude for Goodwill Baptist Church and its members. His message emphasizes his calling to preach the gospel, share the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, and serve his generation and community. He affirms his belief in Jesus as the Son of God and in redemption through Christ’s work on the cross.

Reference: Acts 13:36; Exodus 3:14.

A Little More About Our Pastor

Favorite Scripture: Exodus 3:14 — “I AM THAT I AM.”

Interests: Art, pickleball, working out, and video games.

Favorite foods: Soul food, Mexican and Italian cuisine, steak, tacos, wings, and pho.

Favorite dessert: Vanilla ice cream and pound cake.

Movies and entertainment: Superhero films, science fiction, and television series.

Music: Gospel, hip-hop, and 1980s soul.

Favorite teams: Mavericks, Rangers, and Cowboys.

Favorite color: Burnt orange.

First Lady Brenda Cotton

Our First Lady, Brenda Cotton, was the first blessing born to Rev. Louis and Mrs. Myrtle Hemphill McDowell. A native of Dallas, Texas, she attended Dallas Independent School District schools and graduated from James Madison High School. She continued her education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, majoring in Biology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Science. It was there that she met the love of her life, Demetri M. Cotton.

In 1984, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving her country for seven and a half years. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1987, she married her college sweetheart, Demetri Cotton.

She spent the following years serving the U.S. Government through positions with the Small Business Administration, SBA Disaster Assistance, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other customer-service-oriented roles where she excelled.

Sister Cotton has always had a passion for music, singing, and caring for the elderly. She also loves visiting and caring for those who are sick or shut in. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to others are among the qualities that have shaped her into the woman we celebrate as Our First Lady.

Her Favorite Scripture

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

A Little More About Our First Lady

Favorite food: Salmon

Favorite pastime: Singing

Favorite dessert: Brownie sundae

Favorite movie: War Room

Favorite vacation destination: Alaska

Favorite musician: Elbert Taylor

Favorite music: Gospel

Favorite actors: Denzel Washington and Matthew McConaughey

Favorite actress: Nia Long

Favorite TV show: Jeopardy

Favorite team: Dallas Cowboys