Justin Lee Cowley

January 30, 1989 – October 27, 2025

Justin Lee Cowley was born on January 30, 1989, in Charleston, West Virginia, and passed away on October 27, 2025, with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, by his side.

A lifelong resident of Charleston, Justin carried a deep love and pride for his home state. It was here that he married Elizabeth and built the life he had always dreamed of, one centered around family, faith, and community.

It’s impossible to capture someone with as large a presence as Justin in just a few words. He was, first and foremost, a devoted husband, father, son, and grandson. He was also the fiercest and most loyal of friends, someone you could always count on. To know Justin was to love him. His contagious laugh, mischievous humor, and vibrant personality could light up any room, and he had a remarkable gift of making everyone feel seen and special, often addressing those he loved with a gentle “my friend.”

From a young age, Justin developed a love for horses, a passion that later inspired him to open Cowley Insurance Agency, which he proudly operated alongside his mother and business manager, Leetta, for ten successful years.

Justin lived with kidney disease from the age of 13 and was the grateful recipient of two kidney transplants, one from his mother, and one from Andy, a living donor who selflessly shared the ultimate gift of life. These gifts profoundly shaped Justin’s outlook; he lived each day determined to “pay it forward,” seeking opportunities to share his gratitude and kindness with others in his community.

Nearly two years ago, Justin and Elizabeth welcomed their beautiful daughter, Persephone and his life was forever changed. She became his greatest blessing and the light that gave his days new meaning. She gave him the strength that carried him through even the hardest moments.

Justin often told Elizabeth he didn’t feel like the “warrior” so many called him. She would gently remind him that being a warrior isn’t the absence of fear, rather it’s having the courage to face it, leaning on faith and love to keep moving forward. He was a true warrior in every sense of the word, drawing strength from his love for those that meant the most to him.

Justin’s strength, compassion, and light will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is now at peace, reunited with his sister Shana. In the horse community, we often speak of “greener pastures” and that is exactly where we can imagine Justin now, free and at peace.

Justin is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Cowley, and their daughter, Persephone Cowley. He is also survived by his devoted mother, Leetta Bryant (Michael Bryant), his father, Shane Cowley, his grandmother, Natalie Cowley, and many cherished family members and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 1st from 3-8 pm followed by a celebration of Justin’s life on Sunday, November 2nd at 1 pm at Sissonville High School in Charleston, WV. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories of the incredible person Justin was. For those unable to travel, it was Justin’s wish that his celebration of life be live-streamed through Richfield Video. A link will be shared the day prior to the service. Following the service, Justin will be laid to rest at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home & Memory Gardens at 5233 Rocky Fork Rd, Cross Lanes, WV 25313.

In lieu of flowers, Justin asked that donations be made to Persephone's 529 education savings plan in his honor, to help support the bright future he dreamed of for his daughter.

https://go.fidelity.com/lgflte

Account Number: 603939665

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com