John H. Cousin Jr.

John Henry Cousin, age 78 departed this life peacefully on Monday September 22, 2025 at Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Richmond, VA. Born September 30, 1946 in Crewe VA, John was the beloved firstborn of six children to John Edward Cousin and Essie L. Cousin. He was raised with strong values of family, faith, and perseverance which guided him throughout his life.
John attended schools in Nottoway County and graduated in 1965 from Luther H. Foster high school. He proudly played on the award winning football team, The Bulldogs.
Following high school, John married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Wilson of Blackstone VA. Together they welcomed a son, John Anthony Cousin. John soon left home to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He relocated his family to the Washington DC area.
After completing his military service, he began working for the US postal service as mail carrier in DC. His passion for public service lead to a career in law enforcement. First with the DC police force and later with the DC department of corrections. He rose to the rank of lieutenant at the Lorton Reformatory Federal Prison. He served for 25 years until the facility closed.
During this time John also became the proud father of two daughters, LaJohnna Jesters and Natasha Jesters, of Blackstone. He later married Mireya Coleman of Petersburg VA. Together they raised a son, Micah Coleman.
After retiring from federal service, he returned to his roots in Nottoway county. He briefly served with the Richmond sheriff's department before joining campus security at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville VA. Eventually, John transitioned out of law enforcement into entrepreneurship. He opened and managed the Lunch Bucket sandwich shop in Crewe VA. He later managed The Sportsmen Club in Blackstone for 2 years, and eventually took on a role as a delivery driver for an advertising agency in the Richmond Chesterfield area.
When he tired of the rat race, John found joy in the simple pleasure of home life. He embraced his role as a devoted father and proud grandfather, cherishing time with his grandsons. John assisted with the family business, Cherry Tree Rest Home in Crewe VA.
He filled his days with the things he loved most: driving, collecting nice cars, sampling fast food from coast to coast, browsing flea markets and chatting on his CB radio with buddies across the country.
He was a lifetime member of First Nottoway Baptist church. He enjoyed singing in the choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice. He remained a faithful member throughout his life. He was a life member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Benjamin Evergreen Lodge 131 of Crewe, VA.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward and Essie L. Cousin; sister, Linda L. Hobbs and nephew, Dennis N. Hobbs, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory son John Anthony Cousin, daughters, LaJohnna Jesters and Natasha Jesters. Stepson, Micah Coleman. Special son Cedric Ford. Special daughter, Renata Jesters. Sisters, Sarah Jennings, Darlene Ward, Holly Giles. Brothers, Edward Cousin (Cathy), Aubrey Cousin (Andrienette), Ricardo Cousin, Darryl Cousin (Sandra). Anthony Cason, James Hayes, Orbin Woodley, Anthony Rose (Linnell). Albert Giles (Antoinette). Grandsons, Jacquan Applewhite-Cousin, Devonte Pressley, Quaeshuwn Applewhite, Daewejis Jesters, Shamonte Jesters, Myseeonte Jesters. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, CB radio buddies. He touched many lives in his nearly 79 years of life with his birthday having been on September 30. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.