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Celebrating the life of Raymond Rafael Colston.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Raymond Rafael Colston of Norfolk, a dedicated youth mentor and coach, highly admired community leader, and devoted husband and father, died on November 16, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Colston grew up in Norfolk, where he graduated from Matthew Fontaine Maury High School; he subsequently earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Regent University in Virginia Beach and was planning to pursue a master's degree from Virginia Christian College in Dumfries; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 16, Raymond Colston began working with his uncle, Glen Yearling, at a nonprofit organization now known as Berkley Timberwolves Youth Athletics, where he coached boys between the ages of five and 14 on flag football and peewee tackle football teams; and
WHEREAS, over the years, countless youths in Norfolk came to know Raymond Colston fondly as “Coach Ray” as he taught them not only to develop their athletic abilities, but how to grow to become young men of strong character and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Colston gave boys in the community a positive role model and helped them to develop a sense of personal responsibility and an appreciation for the power of servant leadership; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Colston achieved certification as a youth life coach and was a sought-after motivational speaker and a published author; he held leadership roles with the YMCA of Hampton Roads, the Tallwood High School Men of Excellence Mentoring Group, and the Sigma Beta Club Youth Auxiliary of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Raymond Colston served as chair of the 2023 African American Male Summit, empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and academic support; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Colston served the Norfolk community with distinction, and his legacy of excellence lives on in the accomplishments of the boys he supported and inspired; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Colston will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Angela; his children, Madison, Brianna, and Vance; his mother, Samoa; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Raymond Rafael Colston, a pillar of the community in Norfolk, who served and uplifted countless young people through his roles as a coach and mentor; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Raymond Rafael Colston as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.