Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Dr. Melva W. Costen

Celebration of Life Services for Dr. Melva Wilson Costen will be on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:00 PM at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, Rev. J. Oscar McCloud, Officiating. A Public Viewing will be on Friday, September 15, 2023, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM with The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony beginning at 5:15 PM. and a Wake to follow.

Livestreaming Link:

(2260) Dr. Melva W. Costen Memorial Service - September 16, 2023 - YouTube

Guest Book

Dr. Melva Costen worked tirelessly engaging people to God in a way that only she could. No one will ever forget her nature of connecting all of us to God and how we can share the light of God with everyone. I will carry her notions in my heart forever! Joe Knight Stone Mountain, Ga.

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Dear Costen, Wilson, and Ellis Family, My prayers are with you this morning. Blessings to Mama Melva for her beautiful and giving Spirit. Love and Light, Wilma

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Words, can't express how much impact that Dr.Melva W.Costen had on the people lives that she was in contact with over the years of her life, whether it was her teaching, directing the choir or Bible studies. She would grace you with her loving smile as well as words of wisdom. Although at one point in my friendship with her , I just happened to be the youngest one in the study group at the time and it was a time great time of learning more wisdom and knowledge about different topics from a diverse group of women , which I had given each one of them a different age number. So to my Mrs. 16 you have your Heavenly Wings now , fly on my friend and I know you're going to be directing up there with the rest of them. Gone but never forgotten. I will always cherish the memories that we had at COM over the years. Love always, Elvira H.Grady

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A class mother for the graduates of Boggs Academy, class of 1972. We loved you dearly and pray peace and comfort for the entire Costen family. Deborah Miller

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Cheryl and Craig, thank you for how you cared for Mama Melva. I cared for my mom so I know it was not easy. No one could have provided better care than you gave her. You honored her to the end. May God continue blessing you abundantly.

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On behalf of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, our sincerest condolences are extended to the Family of Dr. Melva Wilson Costen. We have so much to thank her for from the early days of Black Presbyterians United to the Circle of Elders. What a Momentous, Motivator, Mentor and Mother to All of Us! To God Be the Glory!

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Dearest Cheryl & Family- What A Well Lived Life And What A Great Lady, Dr. Melva Wilson Costen (Mama Melva)- Whether Through The Presbyterian Church, A Music Professional/Educator, Civic Leader, AKA, Johnson C. Smith University Alum/Board Of Trustees Or Friend, Mama Melva's Legacy By Making The World A Better Place For All Will Forever Be Remembered. I am Forever Grateful To Have Had The Experience Of Being In Her Presence And Listening To Her Life's Journey. To The Costen Family, My Sincere Condolences And Prayers Are Extended To You. May God's Promises For Strength, Comfort And Peace Be With You Now And In The Coming Days. Mama Melva, You're Too Well Loved Too Ever Be Forgotten. Love & Blessings, Dennis K. Branch, Raleigh, N.C.

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I worked at ITC in the 80s. I knew both Dr.Melva Coston and her husband. I sang in the ITC Chorus and enjoyed every minute! Great lady and a fantastic musician and choral director. Take your rest in peace paradise.

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May God be with Dr. Costen's family, friends and other recipients of her sweet and knowledgeable disposition. She is truly celebrating as she has finished her course. May we all be richer because of her. God bless us all. Purple for she was royalty!!! Dr. Tracy Williams Brown Riverside, Ca/Lawrenceville, Ga

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From Rochelle Dillon - I'm so sorry that you have lost someone who you and your family loved so much. I'm sure you made your mother so proud; I'm sorry her light is gone from your life. You've experienced such a huge loss in saying goodbye to your mother and grandmother. May God give you all comfort as you come together to remember the great memories you all shared. My prayers will continue to be with you all during this time.

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On behalf of the Class of 1981, we would like to express our deepest condolences to our classmate Cheryl Costen Hibbler on the loss of her beloved mother. You know how much we love you Cheryl, and we know how much you loved and took care of your beautiful mother, Dr. Melva Wison Costen, JCSU class of 1953, and former member of the JCSU Board of Directors. Your mother was truly an inspiring force. We would like to recognize and say thank you for her strong contributions and commitment to JCSU and the Atlanta community. Nothing can fill the void created by the loss of your dear mother, but may fondness of her memories bring you comfort, and we hope our condolences bring you peace during this painful time. Please know we are praying for you and your family. God Bless. The Class of 1981 Juanita Walton Much appreciated

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Church Women United in Atlanta, Inc. Send our sincerest condolence and prayers to the family of "Mama Melva". Her legacy in the movement will forever be cherished and remembered. Sheila Louder, President

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May you always feel her hand on your shoulder and hear her laugh echo in your heart. Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother. Thanks for sharing "Mama Melva" with us.

- Cassandra Morrow

It's difficult to grieve the passing of a loved one, and especially the passing of a woman as wonderful as your mom. We all care about you, and we share in your grief. Sending love and sympathy to you and your family. Love, Cassandra Morrow, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta

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You could light up any space with you vivacious smile, warm welcome and brilliant musical talent! RIP Melva, Love Kathy and Oscar.

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I am sadden to here of the Death of Dr.Melba Costen. I was Dr.Costens Piano Accompanist School Chorus at Thomas Heath Slater Elementary School and Student during Academic School year of 1969-1970. I Appreciated Dr.Costen exploitation of my piano skills at such a Young age. She Introduced me to the Keyboard works of Johann Sebastion Bach.

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An amazg woman of God! A true legend musical genius a woman of wisdom and grace. I remember her leadg us at NBPC gatherings. A force 2b reckoned with! Farwell Doc! Txs for touchg my life!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA