Joel Arthur Cousin

Joel Arthur Cousin, 27, of Kansas City, Missouri departed from his earthly vessel on February 22, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, after a long hard-fought battle with cancer.

Joel was born on July 17, 1995, to Rev. Steven A. Cousin Sr. and Mrs. Linda F. Cousin in Columbus, Georgia. He was raised in the A.M.E. Church and grew up in the Ninth and Fifth Episcopal Districts. Joel accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member in the Young People’s Department (YPD). In his early years, he attended St. John A.M.E. in Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Later he attended St. Paul A.M.E. in Wichita, Kansas, Ebeneezer A.M.E. in Kansas City, Missouri, First A.M.E., and Trinity A.M.E. both in Kansas City, Kansas. He frequently traveled throughout the Midwest conference with his father serving churches of the conference. 

Throughout his life, Joel was an adventurer. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 98 where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Minneha Elementary School in Wichita, Kansas, Santa Fe Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri, St. John Francis Regis Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, and he graduated from Archbishop O’Hara High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 2013. After high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he earned two bachelor’s degrees: one in Political Communication and the other in Psychology in 2017. He earned his master’s degree in Public Affairs in May 2020. While at Mizzou, he pledged the Zeta Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was the deuce of a nine ship, “S.S. WABINIFU WA HATIMA”, Spring 2017. Joel was well known for making people laugh, motivating others, and spreading joy and inspiration to those around him. He will be missed for his kind heart and gifted spirit.

Joel was previously employed by AMC movie theaters and Marriott International, Inc. He was a current employee of the Social Security Administration. He volunteered with various organizations and also assisted with feeding the homeless. In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to, engineering, and producing music. He often spent time at the dog park with his dog Charles. He enjoyed shopping, cooking, and spending time with his mother.

Joel was an avid video gamer and recently began streaming live on Twitch (swineflew69) to fundraise for the Sarcoma Foundation of America in an effort to raise awareness and help find a cure for his cancer.  https://www.twitch.tv/swineflew69

Joel was predeceased by his Grandfather Jessie Crawford Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his Father Rev. Steven A. Cousin Sr. and Mother Mrs. Linda F. Cousin of Kansas City, Missouri. Grandparents: Grandmother Mrs. Helen Crawford, Fort Mitchell, Alabama, Grandfather (Ret. Bishop) Phillip R. Cousin Sr., and Grandmother (Ret. Supervisor) M. Joan Cousin of Bolingbrook, Illinois. Three sisters: Dr. Brandi Childress, Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. LaShawn Childress, Columbus, Georgia, and Ms. Stephanie Cousin, Columbus, Georgia. Three brothers: Rev. Steven A. Cousin Jr. (Dr. Christina), New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Andrew Cousin (Renee), Bristol, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Jonathan Cousin, Florence, Alabama. Seven uncles: Rev. Phillip R. Cousin Jr., Durham, North Carolina, Rev. David Cousin Sr. (Rev. Valerie), New Rochelle, New York, Mr. Jessie Crawford Jr., LTC (Ret), Alexandria, Virginia, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Cousin Sr., Chapell Hill, North Carolina, Mr. Lorinzo Crawford Sr. (Rhonda), Stockbridge, Georgia, Mr. Ferdinard Crawford (Lisa), Salem, Alabama, and Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin Sr. (Carisalyn), Woodstock, Georgia. Five nephews, five nieces, a host of cousins, other relatives, fraternity brothers, extended family & friends, and his beloved dog, Charles.

Interment: St. John AME Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856

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