Calvin O'Neal Cushion was born December 20, 1950 to Mr. Jessie Cushion and Mrs. Tiney Kier Cushion in
Valdosta, Georgia, where he was raised in a loving Christian family. After the death of his beloved mother,
Calvin and his brother James went to live with a very special aunt, Miss Lila Phillips, who loving and
nurturing to them.
In 1969, Calvin graduated from Pinevale High School in Valdosta, where he was on the Pinevale Tigers
Football Team. After graduation, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida and meet the love of his life and best
friend, Diane. He was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in the Vietnam War. He
received several service medals, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal,
and National Defense Service Medal. After returning home from Vietnam, Calvin married Diane—from their
union have come two children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bro. Cushion began his 45-year career at the United States Postal Service in 1975, where he was a
Mailhandler Equipment Operator and a trainer for new forklift drivers. Bro. Cushion also served as Safety
Captain and Head of the Diversity Committee. The Diversity Committee provided community outreach in
many ways, including volunteering with HabiJax, The Clara White Mission, The Veterans Center and our
homeless community.
Bro. Cushion was Head Coach for the Bulk Mail Center Co-Ed Softball Team for many years. Additionally,
he also participated in seven Gate River Runs, and various corporate runs. The Lord guided Bro. Cushion to
work alongside Mr. Johnnie Chatman and organize the Tri-Forrest Athletic Association, where children
received homework assistance, participated in sports and afterschool activities, and were taught the
importance of hard work and never giving up —all in a loving Christian environment. Bro. Cushion was
known in the city as Coach, having coached in the Jacksonville City League and the Police Athletic League.
He was also a high school referee for the Duval County Public Schools.
Bro. Cushion was a proud member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor, and
served on the Board of Stewards. He was also a Class Leader and Athletic Director. Bro. Cushion loved the
Lord and his family. He cherished spending time with loved ones and always had an encouraging word and a
smile. He enjoyed planning family events and hosted many family cookouts. He was very proud of his family
and it showed.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. Jessie Cushion and Mrs. Tiney Kier Cushion; aunt like a mother, Lila
Phillips; sisters, Bessie Mae Hall, Irene Murray, Katrina Lindsey and Betty Burgess; brothers, Lonnie
Cushion, Sr., Edward Cushion and Eddie D. Cushion.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Diane Cushion; children, Tony Darien Cushion

and fiancée, Rashelle Sanders, and Ms. April Necole Cushion and fiancée, Christopher Palmer; grandchildren,

Ms. Jaresia Cushion, My'chelle Brown,Jazmyne Cushion, Darian O'Neal Cushion, Jonathan Brown, Cesar Cushion, Deljan Cushion, Jamyia
Cushion, Justina Cushion, Jalisa Cushion, Co'Neal Cushion, Naomi Cushion, Christian Calvin Cushion Palmer and LaNari Davenport; great-grandchildren, Micah Johnson and Makynzli Emma Cushion; sisters,Mrs. Ann Christian (Carl) and Mrs. Eloise Thomas (Edgar); brothers, Jesse Cushion (Viola) and James
Cushion, Sr. (Elena); brother-in-law, Bobby Walker; sister-in-law, Linda Walker Love; a number of nieces,nephews, cousins, other relatives, Postal Co-workers and Friends, including his St. Paul A.M.E. Church Family.