Wallace Earl Costner, Jr.

Wallace Earl Costner, Jr., beloved son of the late Rev. Wallace Earl Costner, Sr. and Anna Richardson Costner was born June 15, 1938 and departed this life February 14, 2021.  Wallace a/k/a Cosmo, lived a full life, richly enhanced by multitudes…yes, we mean multitudes of friends and relatives.  Everyone he met he wanted to believe was his friend! 

Cosmo was a product of the Fairfax County Public Schools system, graduating from the Luther P. Jackson H.S.; he later continued his education at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia.

Cosmo had a larger-than-life personality & BIG presence and when he entered a room, you knew he was there. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was great fun to be around; he was truly the life of the party. He was well-known for his smile and exuberant laughter. Cosmo had a way about him that made you feel special – he had more “favorites” than the average person could keep track of, but he was sincere, if he called you a “favorite”, he meant it.     

Cosmo believed in and joined many organizations.  He was not just a joiner; he gave his all.  He was devoted to Second Baptist Church, where he was an active member of many ministries. One of his most treasured moments was when he was ordained as a Deacon and he began service with the Deacon Ministry; this was his most cherished assignment and he served faithfully until his death.  His church became his life’s work, there was no job too small and of course, none too big.  Cosmo was an active participant wherever he served, whether it was in the Deacon Ministry, Trustee Ministry, Men’s Choir, Golden Echoes, Sanctuary Choir, Usher Ministry, Friendship Ministry or Men’s Ministry. He was always eager to learn more about God and was a faithful Bible Study and Sunday School student. 

Of course, his membership and organizational affiliations extended outside the walls of Second Baptist Church.
Some of these included the King Tyre Masonic Order, The Eastern Stars, The Men’s Ministry of the Northern Virginia Baptist Association (an organization his father was instrumental in organizing), the Urbanites, he was a past member of the Departmental Club and he bowled in several bowling leagues.  As Cosmosupported these organizations, he never forgot that his priority was his church.  It was through his steadfast belief, unwavering dependence on God and dedication to his church that he was able to sustain and finally overcome his long-term illnesses, trials and tribulations.

Organizations are things that you can join, but family happens, and it is family that he was most proud of. He rarely missed a family reunion or gathering and simply enjoyed his family. He was the revered Patriarch of the Costner family. Next to God, family was everything.  It is his earthly family that he is leaving to be with his forever heavenly family.

Wallace was devastated by the loss of his son, Wallace Earl Costner, III but he knew that through it all he would see him again.

He is survived by his faithful, loving, devoted wife, Gloria Jean; daughters: Bianca Robinson (Richard), Debra Costner Grant (Bryan); grandchildren: Jasmine, Jalen, Jared, Taylor, Connor, Jillian and Jonathan; great grandchildren: Isaiah Christian and Nina Summer Rose; sister, Marian Costner Selby (Maron); brother-in-law, Wallace Arnold (Vera); sisters-in-law: Joan Collins and June Gibbs; godchildren: David P. Selby, Jr., Ericka Lindsey, Yasmin Rochelle Vance; nephews, nieces, many other family members and friends; his ever-faithful caretakers: Brenda Moore and Sonya Bibbs also mourn his passing.   

A viewing will be held in Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 10am until 11:45 am followed by a private funeral service at Joynes Funeral Home, 29 N. Third St, Warrenton, VA 20186.  Pastor Rodney L. Smith, Sr. will deliver the eulogy.  Interment will be in Second Baptist Church Baptist Church Cemetery, 6626 Costner Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Services will be streamed live on Zoom at:
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