Cossie Lee Matthews

Ms. Cossie Lee Matthews was born on March 1, 1957, to the union of Mr. Morn Thomas and Mrs. Edith Mae Thomas, both of whom preceded her in transition. She enjoyed life to the fullest, and her greatest pastime was traveling. She participated in many “sister” and “girl” trips with her sisters and cousins, creating forever fascinating memories.

Cossie was educated in the St. Louis Public School system and attended Northwest High School. After finishing school, she held several long-term, gainful employment opportunities. She retired from the St. Louis Airport Marriott after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

After beating cancer for the first time in 2016 and ringing the bell in celebration, her second fight began in the spring of 2024, where she triumphed again and rang the bell once more. However, in October 2024, Cossie faced a third battle with cancer. She won the fight on November 4, 2024, when she was promoted from earth to heaven, though she did not get the chance to ring the bell a third time.

Cossie was a dedicated volunteer in the infant room at New Beginnings Christian Academy. Although she had no biological children, she embraced and nurtured many children from all walks of life—through family, daycare, church, and her neighborhood. They affectionately called her “Tee-Tee Bunch.”

Throughout her treatments, Cossie was visited and supported by family and friends. She was surrounded by love, candlelight, prayer, scriptures, and soaking worship music as she transitioned. She was especially adored by her nieces and nephews, as she never spanked or yelled at them but instead acted as their protector and savior during disciplinary moments.

Cossie was purposeful and intentional about serving faithfully in her church and under her leaders. She loved New Christian Hope, where she served under her sister and brother-in-love, Apostle Sabrina and Pastor Todd West. Her main goal was to ensure that “Lou” was taken care of every Sunday morning at church and at home. She was a dutiful armor-bearer and servant until she could no longer serve.

Her sister, Joyce Reed, preceded her in transition in August 2015; her brother, Willie Thomas, in October 2022; and her sister-in-love, Janet Thomas, in March 2023. Cossie was also an avid pet lover and, heartbreakingly, had to euthanize her beloved cat “Pepper” of 22 years this past summer.

Cossie had a youthful and spunky personality—she never looked or acted her age. She loved to laugh, shop, and spend time with her family. At 66, she became an “I AM” Fashion model, proudly walking in her first fashion show in October 2023 as a cancer survivor. She took great pride in this courageous achievement, forming a lasting bond with the visionary of the event, Nafeesah Lester, who has generously donated Cossie’s entire wardrobe today from head to toe. Thank you, Mrs. Lester.

In her final months, Cossie’s niece Blake was her primary caregiver. A special thank you to Blake, Des, and Nelson for the immense love and personal care they showed to Cossie.

Cossie leaves to cherish her memories: her brother Caster Thomas; sister Diane (John) Minor; brother Desmond Thomas; and sister Sabrina (Todd) West. She is also survived by two uncles, Earl (Patricia) Hunter of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Ivory Joe Hunter of Chicago, Illinois. A very special friend, Mr. Nelson Blocker, and a sister/cousin, Mia Davis, will also forever hold her memory dear. She is further survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and church family.

"From Beyond the Stars"

From beyond the stars, I send my love. To Cass, Diane, Desmond, and Sabrina, from above. Though I’ve left this earthly shore, my heart is with you forevermore. In every laugh and every tear, in every moment, I am near. Through the memories we hold so dear, feel my presence, always here. Though my journey’s path has changed, our bond, eternal remains unchained. In dreams and whispers, I’ll be there, A sister’s love beyond compare.

~ Love, Cossie