Arie Ernestine Coles

ARIE ERNESTINE ELLIS COLES of Rockville, Virginia affectionately known as “Mama Arie”, was born April 24, 1906. After a lengthy illness, departed this life on Sunday, October 16, 2005. Arie was the 6th of 10 children born to the late Calvin Herbert Ellis and Virginia Mary Jackson Ellis.Arie first began her education in the Louisa County Public Schools. She was then Home Schooled by her mother. Arie later taught school in Louisa County, Virginia.Arie received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized as a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Arie later joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in Goochland County, Virginia. Arie maintained her membership with Jerusalem Baptist Church until her death. Prior to her illness, she was a faithful attendee of the church services and Sunday School.During young adulthood, Arie met and married the late Connie Cephas Coles, Sr. on August 12, 1931. From this union six children were born. Arie and Connie had many years of marriage and happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, August of 1981.Arie loved and cared for her children, grandchild and many other neighborhood children. Her love of children led her to become a foster mother to ten. Arie was also the foster caregiver of four elderly adults.Arie enjoyed being a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and foster parent.Arie enjoyed being a homemaker, gardner, seamstress, play practical jokes on others, canning vegetables and fruits and cooking. She will always be remembered for her biscuit baking talent. Arie leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Connie C. Coles Jr. (Elizabeth), William S. Coles (Dorothy); four daughters, Mae E. Winston (Henry), Gloria M. Winston, Betty J. Archer and Glenda R. Leabough (Howard); Arie had twenty-eight grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ora B. Coles; one brother-in-law, Carroll C. Grant, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Special thanks goes to her “Shallot Road Crew” who lovingly gave her joy, laughter and uplifting help: Davion and Marion, Buddy and Liz, Champ, Bear, “Lil Alfred”, Frances, Juanita, Martin, Melissa, Tony, Doris, Phyllis, her loving staff of nurses; Shirley, Debra, Dee, Belinda and Gladys and the affectionate dog, Shaft John Shaft.

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Arie Ernestine Coles

April 24, 1906 - October 16, 2005