Annie L. Coston

Annie Lee Veal was born on August 25, 1926, in Anniston, Alabama, to Annie and Henry Veal. From a young age, she was immersed in church life alongside her family, and it was there that she began to cultivate her deep faith in the Lord. Born with a stomach condition, doctors predicted she would not live to be a teenager. Well 98 years later, we’re forever honored and grateful that the Lord has been a keeper, healer and sustainer! Down through the years, God has been good to her! Singing was her medicine; she found singing to be her cure, soothing her illness. Every time she faced challenges, she would play her keyboard, piano and tambourine and start singing unto the Lord. She’d then experience miraculous healing!

Mother Coston later moved to Ohio, driven by ambition and determination to achieve more in life. On November 12, 1955, she married Arnold Coston and together they raised three beloved children: Betty, Sharon and Aaron.

Mother Coston found her calling as a Nursing Aide at Children’s Hospital, where she poured out her natural gift for caregiving. Her compassion extended far beyond her career — when she got off work, she regularly visited the sick in their homes, hospitals and nursing homes, offering prayers, meals, bathing and singing. This became her routine. Families often requested her as a personal caregiver for their loved ones and employed her. She lovingly cared for her own mother and brother until their passing.

Known for her generous, kind spirit, Mother Coston was a Godmother to many. She kept cloth-ing and food in her car to bless strangers in need — even following up with visits to continue caring for them. In underserved communities, she was respected, adored and well known, often pulling bags of blessings from the trunk of her car and ministering through song and prayer; people would gather around her. On weekends, she traveled with singing groups, visiting the sick and elderly, sharing hope and healing through praise. Her small stature, mighty heart and strength earned her the cherished nickname “Little Mamma.”

Her walk with God only deepened over time. She took her family to Mother Mattie Poole’s revival on 7th Street, (Bishop Elzie W. Young) Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church and became a member. Later, her fellowship continued until she closed her eyes on May 1, 2025, at Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop Paul A. Bowers, “The Preaching Machine” and now Bishop LaVelton J. Daniel. Serving the Lord was not just a duty for Mother Coston — it was her joy, honor and strength. She did it with excellence until her peaceful passing!

Mother Coston had a flair for fashion. She loved to dress up in pretty hats, stylish shoes, elegant suits and dresses. She took pride in being a smart, diligent worker and rewarded herself accordingly. She believed in saving, planning and having her affairs in order — and she did just that!

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and unforgettable memories, just to name a few: Receiving VIP service at local stores, never meeting a stranger, living independently and driving in her late 90s, (even hitting neighbors mailboxes every now and then), breaking out in a praise wherever she went, calling her Grandchildren during their work hours to sing on the phone, speak in tongues then hung up, frying the best burnt bacon and toast, and we loved it, baking her tasty German chocolate cakes and sweet potato pies, having a great memory even at 98 years, singing on pro-grams — INVITED OR NOT, selling candy turtles and handkerchiefs to support church funds, adopting others as family, caring for those in need — even strangers on the street, making family priority, and most importantly, giving people their flowers while they were still here.

Mother Annie Lee Coston lived a life full of purpose, power and praise.

She leaves behind a family and community forever touched by her kindness, faith, strength, love and singing. Lord, we thank you for allowing her to close her eyes peacefully and rest in your arms at 98 amazing years of life! Job well done, Mother Annie L. Coston! We love you and miss you already!

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Deur’l Veal; husband, Arnold Coston; daughter, Sharon Greene; son-in-law, Curtis Greene; and grandson, Rasone Greene.

Mother Annie L. Coston leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Betty Jean Short (Alan Mitchel) and son, Aaron Coston; grandchildren, Alton Deurl (Gloria) Short, Christopher Short, Demetrius (Vanessa) Short, Bettina Short, Edwin Short, Deon (Cherie) Short, Ramone (Kristie) Greene and Rasheena Greene; great-granddaugh-ters, Aeirez Greene, Zora Greene, Rayne Greene, Amaya Short, Sydnee Short and London Short; great-grandsons, Deur’l Short, Edwin Short, Jr. and Lincoln Short; and a host of other relatives and friends

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