Henrico County is honoring the incredible life, service and memory of Elvin R. Cosby Jr., who died Dec. 8 at the age of 96.
Mr. Cosby worked for the county’s Department of Public Works for 73 years, from 1946 to 2019. That’s longer than any employee in the county’s history.
He was 18 when he was hired as a laborer, cutting short his studies at Virginia Randolph School to help his parents support their large family. He rose through the department’s ranks, serving as a truck driver, equipment operator, labor foreman and ultimately a maintenance supervisor.
Along the way, he mentored employees, helped to guide the county’s early efforts to promote a racially diverse workforce and earned a reputation as a tireless worker committed to outstanding service.
In 2015, Henrico established the Elvin R. Cosby Award to recognize long-tenured employees for their outstanding contributions.
In 2018, as Mr. Cosby entered his 72nd year of employment, the county dedicated Elvin Cosby Way, which connects Prince Henry and Dixon Powers drives on the campus of the Henrico County Government Center.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Baptist Church on Mountain Road. A livestream will be available at https://stpeterbaptist.net/funerals/.
In honor of Mr. Cosby’s enduring legacy and service, the Henrico County flag at all county buildings and schools has been ordered lowered to half-staff beginning at sunrise and continuing until sunset tomorrow and Friday, Dec. 20.
Mr. Cosby’s obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/richmond-va/elvin-cosby-12123642
The Board of Supervisors recognized Mr. Cosby upon his retirement: https://henrico.gov/news/2019/04/saluting-elvin-cosby/
