Michael Saunders Coston

Obituary Michael Saunders Coston was born in Edenton, NC to the late John W., Sr. and Willie Holley Coston on September 5, 1926. He was the third of four children. As a youth, he helped the family on their farm. He graduated from high school in the Edenton-Chowan County Public School System and continued his education at Elizabeth City State University earning a B.S. Degree in Education. Upon graduating from college, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Korean War, earning the rank of Staff Sargeant. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and two Overseas Bars. After serving his country, Michael moved to Virginia where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Earlene, at Galilee Baptist Church. He was employed with the Richmond Public School System having taught at East End Junior High, Nathaniel Bacon Junior High, Maggie Walker High School, and Boushall Middle School for 35 years until he retired in February 1986. He loved working with children and watching them master grammar. He also worked various part time jobs including Bill Talley Auto Sales, Virginia Power Company, Purolator Courier USA, and Fort Lee Army Base. After retirement, he continued to tutor students on a part time basis helping them pass required standardized tests. As a youth Michael accepted Christ and was baptized at Canaan’s Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. Shortly after relocating to Richmond in 1962, he moved his membership to Second Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon and taught youth Sunday School classes. He joined the Senior Choir and Male Chorus where he continued to sing until the age of 93. He also served in the Music and Arts Ministry, participating in many celebrations including the Annual Easter Sunrise Pageant, Choir Anniversaries, Seasonal Concerts and Christmas Programs. Always anxious to take communion service to the sick and shut-ins with a scripture, prayer, and song. He was a champion of the Feeding Ministry and Food Pantry. Deacon Coston enjoyed spending time with family and friends and attending many annual family reunions. He especially liked traveling with his church family for worship services, cruises, and various conventions. He loved to cook unconventional meals for his family and his favorite past time was fishing whether on a party boat, pier, or pond. Deacon Coston had a peaceful demeanor, a forgiving heart and always looked for the best in people. He was a quiet, gentle seeker of harmony, order, and structure. He loved the Lord and recognized His blessings every day and would often point out that certain things happened a certain way because that was the way God intended. He paid close attention to detail and a was stickler for protocol. He often stated, “There is my way, your way, and the right way. This time we are going to do it the right way”. As a resident of Vaughan Heights, he was devoted to the neighborhood for over 50 years. He helped his neighbors maintain their yards while planting a garden every year in his back yard. He also participated in the Neighborhood Watch Program. He regularly attended the Southside 8th District Community Meetings where he was often seen cutting a two-step on the dance floor. Deacon Coston is survived by one sister, Marjorie Keaton (Haywood) of Highpoint, NC; two devoted daughters, Jada Flowers and Marlesha Coston of Richmond, VA; two grandchildren, Michael Greene of Richmond, VA and Premiere Coston of Fayetteville, NC; six great-grandchildren, a devoted son-in-law, Darryl Hardy; a loyal caregiver, Alicia Banks and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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Michael Saunders Coston

September 5, 1926 - September 1, 2023