Thelma Stevens "Songbird" Coston

Thelma Elizabeth Stevens Coston, born to the late Solomon and Maggie Stevens, was born on August 22, 1928, in Pungoteague, Virginia. Sister Thelma slipped into eternal rest on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at The Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, Virginia.
Thelma received her education in the Accomack County School System, where she spent the majority of her life. After completing high school, she gained acceptance to Glassboro University in New Jersey, aspiring to major in music. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, she was unable to follow her dream of becoming a Music Teacher. While some may argue that she did not earn a formal degree from a college or university, it is undeniable that Thelma truly became a legendary music major in her own right.
Thelma started attending Holy Trinity Baptist Church with her parents and grandfather during her childhood. Her grandfather, David Stevens, recognized her musical talents early on, believing she was naturally gifted in singing and playing the piano. He kept her engaged with music at the family church. Thelma first played the piano at Mt. Zion when she was just four years old and continued her musical journey into adulthood. Under the guidance of Rev. Willie H. Carter, she began playing the piano for Sunday school at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Painter, Virginia. Thelma's first solo singing performance took place in the early 1950s at the Mary Nottingham Smith School during the unveiling of Mary Nottingham Smith's portrait.
During her early teenage years, Thelma held various jobs, primarily spending her summers in Atlantic City as a Building Machine Operator. In her young adulthood years, she joined the Gregg Harriet Shirt Factory in Exmore, Virginia, where she devoted 33 years of her career. Even after retiring, she remained active in the workforce, working in the fields and contributing over 40 years to the seafood industry as a crab picker. Thelma also had a brief role as an Insurance Registrar with Humana Healthcare and worked with The Eastern Shore Palliative and Hospice Care. Throughout her career, she has shown a genuine dedication to helping those in need. Thelma's lifelong passion and most fulfilling work was her dedication to singing and using her musical talents to glorify the Lord and uplift the community of God through her gift of song and piano.
For more than 90 years, Thelma has mesmerized audiences with her piano playing and singing across the Eastern Shore and beyond. Her powerful voice could ignite a church with its spirit and soulful essence, earning her the title of a true "Eastern Shore Legend." She held the status of a lifetime member in the Eastern Shore Virginia & Maryland Baptist Association and served as the Vice President of the Deaconess Union. She sang at hundreds of funerals and served as the soloist for numerous revivals, Christian concerts, programs, and events. Most recently, she dedicated 17 years as the organist for St. Paul AME Church under the guidance of Pastor Stephanie Castro, until her health began to decline. Thelma also cherished her time at Craddockville United Methodist Church, where she frequently played the piano.
Thelma is cherished by numerous friends, clergy, Northampton and Accomack County Church's, extended family members, and countless members of the community who loved her dearly. She shared a special bond with former Bethel AME Church Pastor, Dr. John E. Nickens, whom she affectionately called her "little brother," along with his wife Sharon, who were a constant support system. They often organized programs and traveled together for special events and shared countless special moments. Thelma also held her bond with friends Roy and Ruby Collins dear, viewing them as siblings. They shared numerous cherished moments with her and provided tremendous support during her most difficult times as her health began to decline.
In recent years, as Thelma's health began to decline, she frequently found immense peace and comfort in singing the beloved gospel song, This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine. She poured her heart and soul into every note, even during times of weakness when her voice lacked strength. Thelma truly embodied the spirit of that song. No matter where she went, her singing illuminated the space around her!
Thelma's life and legacy will remain timeless. Her enthusiasm for singing and glorifying God, along with her straightforward nature, cheerful spirit, and incredible determination, set her apart from others. Thelma's deep love for God's will and her lifelong commitment to giving back and serving her community earned her great respect throughout the Eastern Shore.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Coston, Sr.; her only child, Eugene L. Harmon; and two brothers, David Stevens and Leroy Stevens.
Thelma leaves behind treasured memories of her family, including her two granddaughters, Evangeline "Snooky" Briscoe (James) of Waldorf, MD and Pamela Church of Wilmington, DE. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Anthony Williams, Alonte' Williams, Aeryk Church, Erica Walker, Jayla Briscoe, Chad Johnson, Evette Thomas, and James "Tre" Briscoe, III; along with nine great, great-grandchildren. In addition, she is remembered by her sister, Margaret Brickhouse of East Orange, NJ; a beloved step-son, Jerome Coston; five nieces and nephews; and two god-daughters, Violet Vinson and Thelma Diane Chance, both residing in Baltimore, MD.
Sorrowfully and lovingly submitted, The Family To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thelma Stevens "Songbird" Coston, please visit our Tree Store.