Rev. John J. Rustin

John Junious Rustin was born on November 14, 1941, in Hanover County, Virginia, to the late Charlotte Rustin and John Douglas Rustin. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin; two brothers, Tyrone Rustin and Eugene Rustin.

John was educated in the Hanover Public School System and attended John M. Gandy. He answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. During his military career, he proudly served two tours in the Vietnam War. For his courage, dedication, and faithful service, he received an honorable discharge along with several military medals and commendations.

After returning home, John began his civilian career with and retired from Preston/Carolina Trucking Company (Teamsters) Alcoa and Phillip Morris. He was known as a hardworking, dependable, and dedicated employee who took pride in providing for his family.

On September 11, 1965, John married the love of his life, Jacqueline Coles, in Hanover, Virginia. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with two children. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, commitment, and faith.

August 20, 2005, Reverend John was ordained at New Chestnut Baptist Church in 2003 where he served as interim pastor (October 2005-May 2007). He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and served in the role of Associate Pastor. John was a deeply spiritual man whose life was firmly rooted in his faith in God. His relationship with the Lord was the foundation of everything he did. He loved talking about God’s goodness and faithfully shared his testimony with anyone willing to listen. No matter what trials he faced, John never lost his beautiful smile or his unwavering trust in God. He often spoke of the many times the Lord carried him through life’s challenges, and he never doubted God’s faithfulness.

In his leisure he enjoyed leading souls to God. In his younger days he was DJ that would use his turntable to the popular songs of the day. An avid reader of the Bible, writer, comedian and was an extraordinary story teller to anyone that would listen. John was truly a treasure to all who knew him. He possessed a servant’s heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether offering a listening ear, a warm hug, words of encouragement, or sharing his personal experiences to uplift others, John made everyone feel loved and valued. His kindness, compassion, and generosity will forever be remembered.

Although our hearts are heavy with his passing on July 21, 2026, we rejoice in knowing that John fought the good fight, kept the faith, and now rests peacefully in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

John leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Coles Rustin; loving daughter, Johnesha Bagby; caring grandchildren, Kayvon Bagby and Kevin Bagby; sisters, Patricia Rustin, Loretha Rustin; brother, Lorenzo (Yvette); extended family, dear friends, Mt. Zion Baptist Church members and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

His legacy of faith, service, love, and unwavering devotion to God will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Rev. John Rustin's legacy is one of faith, humility, service, craftsmanship, and unconditional love. He lived with integrity, gave generously of himself, and left an enduring impact on everyone blessed to know him. His life stands as a testament to the Scripture he lived by: whatever he did, he did wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life filled with joy, music, and love — a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Monday, July 27, 2026, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2371 Piping Tree Ferry Road, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. Interment Hanover Memorial Park.