Photo courtesy of T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk
Sep 25, 1938 - Aug 30, 2025
To Marilyn I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Husband Deacon Joe he will truly be missed. My deepest heart felt condolences to you & the entire Family. RIP Deacon Joe Coston
Pearline Carroll
September 13, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
Sending my condolences to the family be blessed and continue to be strong .
Belinda Burnell
September 12, 2025 | Chesapeake, VA | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pearlene Greer
September 12, 2025 | Norfolk, VA | Friend
Mr Joe was a kindhearted person , he became my Mechanic and He was a very good Mechanic and if you didn't have the finances up front and you let Mr Joe would work with you , An Fine Gentleman to have known , R I P Mr Joe Cost on .
J Robinson
September 11, 2025 | NN, VA | Friend
To the family I send my condolences and may u b comfort through love and praises. May God hold the family in strength and support.
Charlene Budd
September 10, 2025 | SUFFOLK, VA | Friend
Rest In Peace love you cousin take your rest God pick a beautiful person to sing walk around heaven all day and we will see you again singing how I made it over ,So take your rest. N
Diane Knight
September 10, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Family
Joe and Marilyn were the best people I know. I met them and we all became a family. Joe will be greatly missed. Prayers and condolences to the family
Carolyn Childs
September 10, 2025 | Chesapeake, VA | Neighbor
Though not by birth or bloodline,
a greater truth was taught:
I was never just—
He became a bonus Father
tho my heart never sought.
He beleived in me and my efforts,
no matter the task
He helped and supported
and I hardly ever had to ask
His heart and hands stayed open,
he hardly ever gave me a no,
his unconditional love
was always quick to show.
Even when life, “lifed”
I was never a stranger or...
September 10, 2025 | GA | Daughter
Cousin Marilyn and Family , I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Cousin , " Uncle " Joe . We had some fun and joyous times together at Prayer Mission Baptist Church , Smithfield , under the late Rev. Prophet Spincil Goodwin. I used to love hearing him sing and he loved to sing just as much as we loved to hear him. May GOD continue to comfort , keep and strengthen you during this hour and may HE fill the void with HIS Love and Joy in the days that lie ahead.
Lloyd Howell
September 09, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Family
Deacon Joe Henry Coston, 86, of Chesapeake, VA, transitioned peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at his home, surrounded by love. Born on September 25, 1938, in Isle of Wight County to the late Raymond Goodman and Ellen Coston, Joe lived a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to family.
From the earliest days of adulthood, Joe carried himself with a servant’s heart—dignified, courageous, and committed to uplifting others. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where his dedication and integrity earned him an honorable retirement. Following his military career, he continued a life of service at the Norfolk Naval Base as an auto mechanic, where he later became a respected Supervisor.
With a passion for repairing cars and a natural gift for mechanics, Joe opened Coston’s Auto, a business that served and supported countless families across the Hampton Roads community. Known as a “jack of all trades,” there was little Joe could not repair or restore. Family, friends, and neighbors alike trusted him not only to fix what was broken but also to lift their spirits with his wisdom, laughter, and steady presence.
Joe was a hardworking man, but above all, he was a man of deep faith. A devoted member of Total Transformation House of Praise, he lived out his Christian beliefs through kindness, humility, and love. He also used his gift of song to glorify God, singing with the VA Hummingbirds, Gospel United, and most passionately, The Original Mighty Pearly Gates. As the sole owner and manager, Joe carried this gospel group with unwavering dedication, remaining one of the last living “Original” Pearly Gates until his passing.
Outside of work and church, Joe enjoyed the simple joys of life. He loved fishing, watching westerns, Judge Judy, court TV shows, and was an avid fan of WWE entertainment. His sense of humor, warm smile, and easy laugh brightened every room he entered.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Goodman and Ellen Coston; and his sisters, Isabelle Coston and Emma Porter.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, soulmate, and caregiver, Marilyn Coston; his children: Terry Crawley (Lori) of Boston, MA; Marilyn Coston Robinson and Stephanie Baker Hill (Vincent) of Suffolk, VA; Antonio Ward (Tisa) of Kennesaw, GA; Neketa Ward of Portsmouth, VA; Sharon Coston of Suffolk, VA; and Monica Barco (Wendell) of Portsmouth, VA. His legacy continues through a large host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, including his beloved Jamontae “Jae Jae” Coston of the home.
He is also survived by siblings Mary Ann Darden, Gail Brown, and April Brown; a special niece whom he claimed as his own, Shenell Ward; a cherished nephew, Chauncey Coston; and a large host of cousins, extended family, church family, and friends near and far.
All in all, Joe’s life was a true testament to hard work, love, and faith. His laughter, wisdom, and generosity will forever be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23
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