After a long illness, Dennis A. Cousins, 59, of Gary, Ind., transitioned on Jan. 1, 2017.

Dennis was born to the former Vann and Carrie Jane Cousins (Smallwood) of Suffolk, Va., in November 1957. He is preceded in death by both parents and his brother Vann Larry Cousins.

Dennis was a 1976 graduate of Suffolk High school. He was a lifelong member of Metropolitan Baptist Church of Suffolk.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 26 years, Bernadine Cousins (Johnson); his four children, Eris, Blessing, Wesley and Gabriel Cousins; his brother, Jerry (Millicent) Cousins; his sisters, Judy (Eric) Blaize, Celestine (Larry) and Elaine (George) Jones; a special aunt, Ruby Watkins; and a host of cousins, nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at New Nazareth Baptist church in Gary, with Pastor Orvill A. Sanders officiating.

Please send all inquiries or donations in care of The Cousins family to the church at 1601 East 21^st Ave., Gary, IN 46407.