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Aretha Coles Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Keith IV
December 31, 2024
You will always be my 1st lady
Tonya Alston
December 31, 2024
Remembering you as we count down to 1/3. Your laughter and the ultimate joy that you brought your girlie every day. I don't think I'll ever have another friend like you. Miss you more than ANY words could ever express.
Keith
December 31, 2023
Can never forget you...
Love is ever deep.
So sorry.....missing YOU
July 24, 2011
Happy Birthday ree-roo..you are always misses and loved... We should have just married eons ago...
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Missy Bray
June 16, 2011
I love you so much auntie. May you rest I'n peace
April 14, 2011
Kelly Newby
February 7, 2011
My brother Ty graduated with Rita. It didn't matter to her that I was a lowly freshamn that year, she would talk and laugh with me anyway. We did not keep in touch once she graduated, but I think of her fondly whenever I think about my high school years. May God ease your loss with the same kind of sweet memories.
Sandra Davis
January 20, 2011
May God enfold you in his loving arms and comfort your family through this time. Rita will be missed. She will not be forgotten for she is a precious gift who blessed everyone who met her.
Monique Smith
January 16, 2011
To the Chandler and Coles Family
May God comfort your family now and forever more. Rita was a very dear and cherished friend to me for over 25 years (JMU). My memories of her will be cherished forever. She will be missed but not forgotten - her everlasting glow gleaming from that beautiful smile is shining down on us from heaven. God bless!
Willie & Sharon Stone
January 11, 2011
To the Coles Family,
Our hearts are sadden by your lost. Sometimes we feel why so much pain but remember Coles family that there is a God that sits high & looks low and he will never leave or forsake you. We pray that God will mend your fragile & broken hearts.God have truly blessed this family with a beautful, talented, special and loving person. We know Rita has made each of you proud, hold on to those memories. I pray that you all lend on God in which your strength will cometh from. And always remember when it seems hard to move forward and you can't look back just look beside and we will be right there. Love you all keep your head up and trust God...
John 16:33
I have told you these things so that you will have peace of heart and mind, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but cheer up, for I have overcome the world,
Christine Arthur
January 10, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
Janice Claiborne-Foster
January 9, 2011
Tony and the Coles family,
I was very sorry to learn of Rita's passing. My prayers are with you all. May God bless you and keep you strong.
Michelle Thompson
January 9, 2011
To Tony and the Coles family,
May God bless you and watch over you during this difficult time.
Ola Ridley
January 9, 2011
we were saddened to learn of the death of this wonderful lady .. may you hold fond to her memory
Jason & Madina Dabney
January 7, 2011
Anniebell, Andrew and family, we are deeply sorry for you loss. Your daughter was a very sweet person and funny too. She will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with you, God Bless.
Vince Ridley
January 7, 2011
We will always remember Rita your talented voice and personality.
So glad that you made our July 2005 wedding in the Valley.
You will always be apart of our family despite anything. We loved you.... May GOD rest your soul.
Vince & Tara Ridley
Chester,Va
Rosalyn (Cooda) Harkins
January 7, 2011
With deepest sympathy to your memory Rita... youwill always be the sister I never got to have...
January 7, 2011
REMEMBERING YOU IN PRAYER .
GLADYS COLEMAN DABNEY
HANOVER,VA
Bernell Jones
January 7, 2011
Allison, David and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort in knowing that we care and are praying for you. Bernell & David Jones (FAB)
Lawrence Mitchell
January 7, 2011
To The Cole Family:
Anyone that has reminded you of how precious life is and has taught you to treasure your relations is a blessing. It was a blessing for me to known and work with Aretha Angela Coles. May the sun shine bright upon her life.
Traci Smith-Johnson
January 7, 2011
To The Coles Family,
My prayers and condolences are with you all. Just know that Rita is gone but not forgotten, her spirit will live forever.
May the peace of God abide with you.
Marshall~Walker Class of '85
January 7, 2011
To the Coles Family,
I was very sad to hear that you lost Aretha (Rita). She was one of my children and she will always be remembered.
With Love,
Oliver Family (Frank & Lucille)
Lucille,
Kim Cooper
January 7, 2011
My deepest condolences are extended to the Coles family during this period of bereavement. May God continue to bless and keep you! I was Rita secretary. Not only was I her secretary but we were true friends to one another. I will truly miss her. Love you girlee!!!!
Bo Tayloe
January 7, 2011
May the memory of Rita's great heart be a comfort now and in the days ahead.
Bertice Frye
January 7, 2011
For as high as the Heaven s above so great is the measure of our Father s Love
May the peace of God soothe your heart
love,cousin Bertice
Keith Ridley IV
January 6, 2011
The spirit,The soul the great parts of you will always live within my soul for all of my earthly eternity....
The days and years have been sad..great and beautiful.
When the story is really told..
The fondest memories will be most sacred
I will always have the deepest respect and love for you in our realm... despite anything.. With you... then. There would be no me now.. Lord..Knows I never expected at this time of life would you ever depart....
Until we meet again.. you will always be my "Greeny Green"
With deepest care and Love
Janice Ridley Harkins
January 6, 2011
With deepest sympathy to heart as your mourn the soul of a beautiful woman. May GOD rest your soul. I will have fondest life memories to the many days we shared over the years .......
With deepest prayers
Robert L.Harkins,III
Janice Ridley-Harkins
Vinny Herman
January 6, 2011
To Rita's family,
Rita was a co-worker and friend. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Daniel & LaVerne Farrington
January 6, 2011
To Ann and the Coles family,
We were truly sadden to hear of your lost. Let Aretha's memories satain you and put your hand in God's Hand and He will comfort and keep all of you.
Lathania Braxton
January 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
in your time of grief.
Calvary Episcopal Church.
Tonya Cheagle Rice
January 6, 2011
To the Coles family, my deepest condolences. I remember Aretha's kind spirit at Marshall-Walker. May God bless you and keep her in your heart.
Karen Scott
January 6, 2011
Praying that the Lord will comfort all family members and friends during this sad time.
Velma (Suggs) Jones, Class of '85
January 6, 2011
To the Coles family: May God comfort your family now and forever more. I have known Rita since the days at Highland Park Elem. She was always a good friend. She will be missed.
Jeff Shockley
January 6, 2011
To the Coles family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Rita is a college friend that will be dearly missed and warm memories of her will be had by all that have known her.
Sharon Clarke
January 6, 2011
Ann Cole and family,
May God give each one of you the strength that is needed to move forward. May your love one RIP!!! I will continue to pray for your family.
Lisa Townes
January 6, 2011
My deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow. I hope this and the other kind thoughts and deeds shown by others will help provide a source of strength today and for some time to come.
Maria Proctor
January 6, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Coles family. She was a nice lady and co-worker. May God Bless you all.
whitney miller
January 6, 2011
Rita...you made me laugh more time than I can count. And last week I was thinking about how you never said no when I asked you to make your "special dip" for football games...lol. I'm so sorry I didn't get a chance to see you before you departed, but just know that you will not be forgotten, and I'm making (trying to make) your special dip for the Saints victory this weekend...Whitney
Jacquelyn Simmons
January 6, 2011
To the Family of Aretha Coles,
Sincere condolences to all of you. Aretha was my sorority sister. I met her about three and a half years ago when she came to our Chapter in DC to reactivate. I remember her as being genuine, smart, and cheerful. She always had a smile on her face.
May the many precious memories you have of your time with Aretha sustain you during this time of mourning. Remember that Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.
Peace & Blessings,
Anthony J Spence, M-W Class of 85
January 6, 2011
My deepest condolences are extended to the Coles family during this period of bereavement. May God continue to bless and keep you!
Henry Scott
January 6, 2011
Dear Coles Family,
You will never know how many lives Rita touched in her rich, spirited way. Thank you for her. We are all so lucky that she was a part of our lives. Her absence will hurt, but the memories will warm us and make us smile.
Angela Sullivan M-W Class of 85
January 6, 2011
To the Coles Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Aretha. May you find comfort and strength in the Lord.
kimberly piatt-evans
January 6, 2011
My heart is filled with sadness for you loss. I know that she is with God now and is watching over us all. I went to school with Rita and we spend many hours going to after school activities. I counted her as a wonderful person with so much talent and love of life. I will pray for you in this time of sorrow.
Kimberly Piatt-Evans
Class of '85
January 6, 2011
January 6 Ann my heart greave for you and the family. IF any one knows what you are going through it is me. you can call on me any time.I feel your pain. Love you in jesus name Lena Clarke
Don Stubbs
January 6, 2011
I have only known Rita a few years now through our mutual friend Quinn and that short time feels like a lifetime. Her wit, grace and intelligence left an everlasting impression. She will be missed terribly.
Don
Friend from Bahamas
Rocquel Crawley
January 6, 2011
Allison, you and your family are in our prayers. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
~ Rocquel Crawley
Hope (Tissie) King
January 6, 2011
Adriene and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that I am praying for you and your family during these trying times.
God Bless!!!
Laura Lehman
January 6, 2011
The Lord bless and comfort your lovely family. Rita will be missed. You are all in our prayers. ~In Christ, Laura & Emily
Laura Lehman
January 6, 2011
The Lord's love & comfort upon your lovely family. You are all in our prayers. ~Laura & Emily
Darryl Day
January 6, 2011
To the Coles Family:
While I did not know Aretha personally, I do work with her sister Adriene. Please know that the Anthem (Northern and Western) Regional Offices has your family in our prayers.
Michelle Moore
January 6, 2011
Adrienne, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Ayanna Brown
January 6, 2011
You will be terribly missed. My warmest condolences to your family.
Heather Brown Coward
January 6, 2011
My Dear Rita Bug,
I am going to miss you but I know you will always be with me in spirit. Thank you for all your encouragement, you have given me. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to know you. You are my Diva Angel.
N. Adelona
January 6, 2011
Condolences to the Coles family, Rita was a very pleasant, funny and smart woman to work with. She will be missed.
Richard, Martha, Marilynn, Larry, Richard Jr (Bubba) & Althea (Brat)
January 6, 2011
To The Family
He healeth the broken in heart.
Psalm 147:3
Grieving with you and sharing in your loss.
With Love and Prayers
Tenisha Green
January 6, 2011
You will always be remembered for your infectious smile and spirit. Your ability to make everyone around you smile brighter and laugh harder will be sincerely missed.
Nadine Rozier-Lawrence
January 6, 2011
To the Coles Family,
My heart is so heavy. Rita and I had known each other since growing up in Highland Park. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her glorious spirit will live on forever.
Marilynn Tucker-Burton (Scil)
January 6, 2011
To The Family
"Trust in the Lord because no matter what we're facing the Lord will see us through"
I trust the Lord's blessed assurance to ease your pain and lift your spirits.
May you find comfort and strength in His love.
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