April Jo-Elle Cephas, 44 received her angel wings suddenly and transitioned to her heavenly home on March 11, 2025.  The youngest of seven children, she was preceded in death by her older sister, Toshia Kinsler.

April, a Richmond, VA native, began her undergraduate studies at Virginia Union University and later transferred to Virginia State University where she was initiated into the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in the Spring of 2001. She was devoted to the work of the Deltas, serving in key roles and instrumental in bringing in the Chapter's 2002 line. She continued her undergraduate studies at ECPI and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership with a major in Management. She was pursuing her Master's Degree in Business at the time of her death.

As we walk through life on our individual paths, God reveals special people that make you LAUGH a little louder, SMILE a little bigger, and LIVE just a little bit better…April was someone that embodied all of this and so much more. Her presence and infectious smile would light up any room and she always had a song in her heart and a dance in her spirit. Her gentle, demure, and calming spirit could always quiet a crowd…inviting everyone to lean in and listen to her ever so soft angelic voice.

April's most prized accomplishment in life was the birth of her beautiful daughter, Chloe. She was an exceptional Mother with an endless amount of patience that she demonstrated daily by answering EVERY question Chloe asked.  If you've ever had a conversation with Chloe, the back-to-back questions were insurmountable and April was ALWAYS attentive. April's love for Chloe, her family and friends are irreplaceable and will forever be missed.

April leaves to treasure her memory, her loving 5-year-old daughter, Chloe Cephas Coles; parents; Joseph and Lucille Cephas; three brothers, James Alston, David Alston Sr., and Michael Wayne Alston Sr.; two sisters, Myesha Dabney (Daron) and Kimberly Revis (Tracy); devoted friends, Du'Neika Easley, Joi Young Williams, and Kevin Coles (KC); and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family has set up a savings account to go into a Scholarship Fund for April's daughter, Chloe Coles. If you would like to donate, you can do so via Zelle using the QR code or email below.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

View Funeral Webcast