Joy Elizabeth Cousins

1969 - 2017

SHORT GAP - Joy Elizabeth (Ohler) Cousins, 48, of Short Gap, joined her Daddy in heaven on Monday, May 22, 2017. She was surrounded by a room full of family members.
Born April 23, 1969 in Meyersdale, PA, she is the daughter of Eileen (Ramhoff) Ohler and the late Rev. Oscar E. Ohler, Sr.
Joy was a graduate of Frankfort High School, Class of 1987. She majored in Biology and Chemistry at Alderson Broaddus University, graduating in 1991. Joy continued her studies at WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she graduated in 1997.
For the past 17 years, Joy enjoyed her private practice in Keyser. She had also worked in the Emergency Department at Potomac Valley Hospital and served as Chief of Staff from time to time. Joy truly loved mentoring the medical students –her guidance and advice were invaluable to them! While in Keyser, Joy worked at the Mineral County Health Department and served as the athletics physician at Potomac State College.
She enjoyed supporting both Frankfort and Keyser High School events, as well as community benefits for local folks and causes. Joy was always known as a compassionate and loving giver to the community.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Johnnie Cousins; three children, Kathy Zalewski and husband Tom, Ridgeley, Mikaela "Peanut" Cousins, at home, and JC "Boy" Cousins, at home; three grandchildren, Lilyan, Anden, and Delyla; her "adopted kids," Kati and Chris Kenney and child, Coop; five siblings, Oscar E. Ohler, Jr. and wife Cathy, Woodstock, VA, Roy Ohler and wife Karla, Pataskla, OH, Cathie Lee and husband Buck, Swanton, MD, Charlie Messick and wife Terena, The Bahamas, and Karen Iser, Short Gap; nieces and nephews, Oscar, III, Dana, Jessica, Danny, Scott, Lacey, Kayla, Jade, and Chase.
Friends will be received at Graceland Baptist Church, Short Gap, on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM and Friday from noon until 1 PM. The funeral service will follow at 1 PM, with Pastor Dan Twigg, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to either Frankfort Athletic Boosters, 363 Falcon Way, Ridgeley, WV 26753 or to the Schwab Family Cancer Center, P.O. Box 539, Cumberland, MD 21501-0539.

"Life is a balance between holding on and letting go." On Monday we let go – My sister was the most loving, compassionate, caring sister, daughter, mother, wife, friend, and doctor I have ever been fortunate enough to know. In her honor, I ask each of you to be kind-perform random acts of kindness – for those you do and don't know and those who may not be the nicest people (they need it the most). When being kind to others, think of Joy and remember what a courageous, loving soul she was . . ." (Cathie)

Joy requested that everyone who attends her funeral come dressed in their finest sports attire. Bonus points for those in Columbia Blue. (Yes Keyser fans… that's her final "GOTCHA" to you! She said to tell you she'd be watching!) Haha! No fancy dresses, no ties, and no tears. What a wonderful, positive, happy life we have to celebrate. Let's not let her down.