Arethea Angela Coles

Arethea Angela Coles,known as Rita,suddenly departed this earthly world for a more glorious one on Monday,January 3,2011. She was preceded in death by her father,Armistead W. Coles. Rita was born July 24,1967 to Annie Chandler( Smithers) and Armistead Coles in Richmond,Va.She graduated from John Marshall High School. After high school,Rita attended James Madison University,where she majored in Political Science and Theater. She received her Juris Doctorate from Regent University Law School. Rita worked most recently with the U.S. Department of Justice where she was employed at the time of her death as a civil rights attorney. Rita was very passionate about many things in her life and enjoyed spending time with her family anf friends. She especially took pleasure in being with her nieces,nephews and children of friends. She was affectionately known as Aunt Rita to many. Rita was definitely the "favorite" Aunt and would not hesitate to spoil them,correct them and advocate for them with their moms and dads. Rita enjoyed performing,either as a singer or an actress. At JMU,she participated in theater productions and was part of the school improvisational comedy group,Cillia. Rita starred in several local theater productions,including "The Colored Museum" where her opening performance as a flight attendant was a highlight of the show. Rita was also a founding member of the Richmond improvisational comedy group,Take 5. Rita loved to give of herself to help others. If anyone needed her assistance,she was there to help in any way possible. She is a founding member of The Gloucester Institute(TGI),where she was an active member of TGI program for young professionals,which provides career guidance and encourages community involvement. Rita was instrumental in getting the young leaders program off the ground,providing vision and acting as a faithful donor to the program. Rita loved traveling and had the opportunity to take the trip of her life-The Great European Vacation with one of her best friends,Tracy.With no real schedule these two traveled from England,to Germany and France,crashing at friends' homes and staying at youth hostels. She possessed an adventurous spirit and a love of people in general. Rita touched the lives of many and possessed a general belief in the good that could be found in each individual. Rita will forever be remembered by her devoted family. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life a loving and devoted mother,Annie Chandler;stepfather,Andrew Chandler;stepmother,Jonell Coles;four sisters,Allison Coles-Johnson(Charles),Adriene Ellis(Kevin),Andrea Arthur (Kendrick);brother Anthony Coles;stepsisters,Anglique Chase,Pandora Cosby(Leslie);stepbrothers,Bryan(Aleatha),Bruce and Craig Chappelle;and a host of nieces,nephews,other relatives and friends.Devoted aunts,Kay Coles-James and Connie Cauththorne,devoted friends,Quinn Walker,Pauls Crump,Tracy Camp-Johnson and Chris Carlson.

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Arethea Angela Coles

July 24, 1967 - January 3, 2011