Celeste Arsane Redden Cossey, age 75, departed this mortal life on August 25, 2023, after living a rich, full life in which she was a blessing to many. Celeste was born on July 13, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Donnie Herman Redden and Cassanda Arsane Harrell. She was the much loved and much doted on youngest of 6 children. Due to her 2 older brothers dying in infancy, Celeste actually grew up with all sisters who described her as kind, loving and never did anything wrong. At age 16, Celeste met Leonard Cossey who had relocated from Mississippi and was working at the local gas station. Regarding their meeting, Leonard said, “She didn’t want anything to do with me but I knew when I saw her, she was the girl I was supposed to marry.” Leonard soon won Celeste over and the couple married on March 2, 1965, in Woodville, Mississippi. They
made their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over the next several years, they would welcome 3 children [ Lisa Ann, Leonard Gene (Len), and Michael Brad] into their family. One of her greatest joys was being sealed together as a family on June 10, 1981, in the Salt Lake Temple. Celeste loved being a wife, a mother and later a grandmother. Even with trials and challenges of life, she created a home of love and comfort that her
children, grandchildren, and others were drawn to. After living in Baton Rouge for 25 years, Leonard and Celeste moved their family to Leonard’s hometown of Pontotoc, Mississippi. Although it was hard for Celeste to leave family behind, especially her sisters, she soon made new friends again, opening her home and heart to many. As amember of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Celeste served faithfully in
several responsibilities including President of the Relief Society. She was a compassionate woman who believed in the power of prayer and personal revelation. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a faithful servant of her Savior.
She is preceded in death by her parents Donnie Herman Redden and Cassanda Arsane Harrell; 2 brothers, Roy Lee Redden and Willie James Redden; 2 sisters, Virginia Emma (Bea) Palmer and Donna Helen Hunt.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years Leonard Gene Cossey, Sr.; one sister Cassanda Jewel Binning (Wayne); her 3 children, Lisa Ann Richardson (Pat), Leonard Gene (Len) Cossey, Jr. (Crystal), and Michael Brad Cossey (Carey); 6 grandchildren, Torri Shai Brown, Patrick Gene Richardson (Kalysha), Kaitlyn Celeste Sensanbaugher (Caleb), Michael Anthony (Mac) Cossey, Ethan Lane Richardson and Leonard Gene (Leo) Cossey III; 1 great grandchild, Cameron Michael Brister and numerous extended family members and friends that loved and treasured
her.
Services will be Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be Friday, September 1st 5-8PM at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc and Saturday, September 2nd 10AM until service time at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tupelo, MS. Burial will follow in Cossey Family Cemetery.
