Rev. Nichols Cossey, Sr.

In Loving Memory of Reverend Dr. Nichols Cossey Sr.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, also believe in me. John 14:1

We celebrate the life and homegoing of Reverend Dr. Nichols Cossey Sr., who was born on April 15, 1940, in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the son of the late Rev. Moses C. and Susie Cossey and passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Rev. Nichols Cossey accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age at Macedonia Baptist Church in East Chicago, where he was later baptized at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He began his ministry at Macedonia Baptist Church before being called to preach at Second Baptist Church under Pastor Dave Williams. His life was dedicated to God, family, and community, and he served as a faithful shepherd to many.

Rev. Nichols Cossey pastored his first church in Elkhart, Indiana, starting in a humble storefront at 1001 W. Wolf Ave. Through his leadership, the church grew and relocated to 1401 Willowdale and finally to a permanent home at 1829 Oakland Ave. He transformed the parsonage into a residential rental property, showcasing his commitment to sustainable community development. A defining moment in his ministry was the Mortgage Burning Service, symbolizing financial freedom for the church.

For over 42 years, Rev. Cossey served as Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where he nurtured souls and empowered leaders with wisdom and love. He was a highly respected leader in the Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist District Convention, serving in various leadership roles.

Rev. Cossey was a community builder who founded the Ministerial Alliance of Elkhart and established the Good Friday “Last Seven Words” Service, uniting local churches. He was instrumental in the LEAP Program, partnering with schools to provide tutoring for underserved children, and was a devoted member of the Michiana Male Community Chorus.

Rev. Cossey believed in empowering the next generation through ministries such as the Young Women’s Matron Ministry and the Red Circle Ministry for Girls, instilling biblical values and leadership skills in young lives.

Professionally, Rev. Cossey spent over 30 years at Inland Steel Company in East Chicago. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned his Doctoral degree in Pastoral Theology from Beulah Bible College & Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.

Rev. Cossey is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Ruby Cossey; three daughters: June (James) Pruitt, Sheila Norman, and Deborah Howard; three sons: Nichols Cossey Jr., George (Kelli) Cossey, and Lennard (Lorna) Cossey; a sister, Ruth Cossey; brothers, Arthur (Sharon) Cossey and Oliver (Lucretia) Cossey.

Rev. Cossey is also survived by his grandchildren whom he had a special love for, James (Deanna) Pruitt Jr. , Jarvis (Hope) Pruitt, Justin Pruitt, Jordan Pruitt, Curtis and George Cossey, Xavion Howard, Quilyn Howard-Upshaw, Aniyah Howard, Tyrique Cossey, Dejoyah Johnson, RaNesha (Odanny) Perez, RaTerious (Bianca) Walker, Elicia Swopshire, Alexis Norman, and Zachary Norman. As well as, a host of great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister/brother-in-law, a brother, and a son.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation for Rev. Cossey will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, 403 W Franklin St, Elkhart, IN 46516. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 1:00PM at Greater Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 1829 Oakland Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516 with visitation for 1 hour prior at the church. He will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

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