Born on Christmas Eve in 1936 to John Henry and Ruby Burgess Givens in Pulaski, Tennessee, Cozette Renee Givens was a woman of bright spirit and keen intellect.  After earning her bachelor's degree in Tennessee, she wed her lifelong companion, Sherman Wilson, Sr. Together, they established a home in Crowley, Louisiana, where Cozette dedicated her professional life to the Acadia Parish School Board. For many years, she served with a compassionate heart in the Special Education Department at Crowley Middle School and remained a faithful servant of Bethel C.M.E. Church, where she found great joy in serving Holy Communion.

Having "fought a good fight" and "finished her course" (2 Timothy 4:7–8, KJV), Cozette kept the faith until she was called home to her eternal reward. She was preceded in death by her parents; John Henry and Ruby Burgess Givens, her husband; Sherman Wilson, Sr.,  her sister Janet Givens, and six brothers: Billy, Donald, William, David, Jack, and Bud Givens.

Cozette leaves to cherish her memories to her son, Sherod (Sierra) Wilson of Crowley, LA., and her brother, Ronald Givens of Alaska.