John Nelson Coles

In Loving Memory of John Nelson Coles
John Nelson Coles, age 81, departed this life quietly and peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Upson Regional Medical Center, in Thomaston, Georgia. John was the fourth of eleven children born, on March 10, 1943, in Northampton County, Virginia to the late Carlisle and Mary Fisher Coles. He attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served from November 4, 1962, until his honorable discharge on June 4, 1981. He later continued his education at Saint Leo College, Newport News, Virginia.
Throughout his military career, John was an accomplished and highly decorated soldier, receiving numerous awards, badges, and medals for his acts of heroism, good conduct, achievement, and meritorious service. Among these honors were the Joint Service Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.
As a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia, John was baptized and later preached his trial sermon. He was ordained as a Minister by the late Reverend James W. Lawson and ultimately became known as "Reverend John Nelson Coles."
John was a creative writer and gifted artist who mastered portrait drawings at an early age. He loved music, dancing, cooking, playing the guitar and organ, live theatrical performances, and had an admiration for architecture and design. John was exceptionally knowledgeable in a variety of subjects and once aspired to be a contestant on "Jeopardy!."
John was affectionately called "Johnny Boy" by family and close friends and was known for his infectious personality, quick-witted sense of humor, and irresistible smile. He was a self-less giver who never met a stranger. He passionately sought to help others excel and reach their God-given potential, often giving of his time and possessions to meet the needs of others. He loved his family dearly and cherished gatherings, cookouts and celebrations.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his former spouse, Dorothy Weatherly Coles, and their two daughters, Zina Rhone, Cynthia Eadon (Michael); three sisters, Minister Barbara Brickhouse, June Staton, Ph.D. (Raymond); Reverend Alice Coles; four grand-daughters, Deja Jones, Desiree Rhone, Shianna Coles, Sierra Hicks; two grandsons, Roget Coles, Jhonquez Coles; sixteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. John was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Carlisle Coles; his grandson, Jah-Quan Hicks; and his siblings, sisters: Virginia Moses, Juanita Stoakley, Gwendolyn Coles, Novella Arlene Coles James, brothers: James, Walter, and Nathaniel William Coles.
John will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. May his kindness, generosity, unwavering faith in Christ, and preferred greeting "Jesus Christ is Lord, " be the legacy forever proclaimed in our hearts.
Rest in peace our Dear Loved One