Ethel J. Coles

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Ethel Jean (Baker) Coles was born on October 18, 1948 in Emporia, Virginia to the late Christine (Baker) Gray and the late Billie Pair, Sr. She departed this life Friday, March 22, 2024 at the beautiful Gilchrist Hospice home center with her family by her side. Jean attended E. W. Wyatt High School in Emporia, Virginia where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1967. She moved to Richmond, Virginia after graduating and continued on with her education where she earned her key punch operations certification at Keys Business College. She would later continue her professional development with certifications in leadership where she advanced in her career in the retail industry in retail management sales, merchandising and customer service. Jean worked in retail for over 45 years and was committed and dedicated to her profession and to her clients. She began her career as a retail professional in Williamsburg, Virginia and retired in Maryland in 2019 from Macy’s, Inc. Jean was a master in the retail profession, was highly sought after by her clients and enjoyed working with customers to make sure they were satisfied. Jean had established what they now call a Following throughout her career in retail. Jean continued to visit the Macy’s Inc. store in her community from time to time after she retired just to check in with friends and visit previous management team colleagues. She will truly be missed by all who knew her near and far. Jean moved from Richmond to Williamsburg with her young daughter after marrying the late John Coles, January 26, 1971. They resided in Williamsburg where Jean became an active member in the town she loved. Jean joined St. John Baptist Church where she worked on various committees, served on the usher board and sang in the choir. In 2004 Jean moved to Maryland after the passing of her husband where she began her new life while living closer to her daughter Sonia, son-in-law, Jemahl and grandson, Na’im. She loved working in her new community where she lived and made new friends in Maryland. Ethel was a ‘people enthusiasts’ and enjoyed talking with people and helping anyone in time of need. She enjoyed conversations on topics ranging from life to sports. Most often she enjoyed watching basketball and football games. On any given game day Sunday she would cheer for her favorite professional athlete to win. Whenever she asked how you were doing, she genuinely wanted to know ‘the truth’ and would listen with kind hearted patience. She would brighten up when talking on the telephone with friends and family, as she always had a thought provoking idea or important update to share. She always wanted to learn more about how to do new things whenever possible and would share what she learned with others in detail much like an intellect, scholar or a professor, as she was very smart and insightful. Most of all she was passionate about helping others gain a positive perspective on troubling aspects of life whenever she was asked for assistance or advice. She was the matriarch, dedicated to her family. Jean will always be remembered for being a beautiful person and a loving mother and grandmother with a heart of gold. Friends and family remember Jean to be serious and determined, yet she was also fun-loving and had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh and enjoyed good times spent with her family. Most recently, Jean discovered the joy of color painting, planting and arranging flowers at her home and word puzzles. Chair yoga, prayer and meditation had also become a part of her day. Jean enjoyed her time spent with her grandchild, Na’im the most. She referred to him as her “Shining Star” in her final days. While she truly enjoyed and loved time shared with her daughter and son in law greatly, it was the time spent with her grandson that was a very special time in her life. Her grandson wrote in a message, “May grandma rest in heaven among the angels.” Jean saw the good in all whom she knew and would pray for God’s goodness and His blessings to be bestowed upon all of His children. May Our Beloved Ethel Jean (Baker) Coles, Mom, Grandmom, Momma Jean, Rest in peace forever leaving a legacy of positive thought provoking perspectives with her loved ones through the messages she shared with us. The Beloved Ethel Jean (Baker) Coles was the oldest sibling of eleven children. She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter, Sonia Nuriddin and a son-in-law Jemahl Nuriddin. A grandson, Na’im Nuriddin. Sisters, Bernice, Vanessa, Catherine, Ann and Sophia Gray; Brothers, Lloyd, Donnie, Bobbie, Ray, Jeffery Gray; Cousin Shirley Wiley and family, Cousins Joseph Hill Jr. and Josephine Brown and family. The Baker Family and the Pair Family and a host of other Nieces and Nephews, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Friends, Community Neighbors and Colleagues. She is predeceased by other Beloved family members, Grandmother, Bessie Baker Hall, Aunt Catherine Baker Ruffin, Aunt Vernell Hill and a Sister, Belinda Baker-Stores.

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Ethel J. Coles

October 18, 1948 - March 22, 2024