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Harriet Coalter Obituary
November 19, 1949 - June 10, 2025
Harriet Henderson Coalter died on June 10, 2025 at the Chesapeake Retirement Community in Newport News, Virginia. Harriet Henderson Coalter had served as the director of public libraries in the city of Richmond from 2005 to 2015. She had received her B.A. from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas in 1971 and her Masters in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. She had been invited to participate in Harvard University's program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program in June 2000. Before her service in Richmond, Harriet Henderson Coalter had served as director of the public libraries in Tyler, Texas; in Newport News, Virginia; in Louisville, Kentucky; and in Montgomery County, Maryland. Over her long career, Ms. Coalter also provided leadership in numerous state and national library associations. She was president of the Virginia Library Association in 1985-1986, president of the national Public Library Association of the American Library Association in 1999-2000 as well as a Council Member of the American Library Association from 2001 to 2005. In 2008, she had received the American Library Association's "Peggy Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children." It was noted when she received the award that her focus on early childhood literacy and the role of the public library in promoting early education had been a hallmark of Harriet Henderson Coalter's career. In 2011 Ms. Henderson Coalter was recognized nationally when she was named as a White House "Champion of Change" for her innovative efforts to strengthen the role of underserved communities.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Coalter
5 Entries
The Rev. Jeunee Godsey
August 7, 2025
A Memorial Service for Harriet Coalter will be held Friday, Aug. 8th at 11:30 am at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2040 McRae Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.
A private burial will preceed the service and a reception will follow the service in the church parish house. All who wish to honor Harriet's life are welcome to come. She was a special member of our church community... a strong leader and a compassionate woman of faith.
Bruce R Simon
June 23, 2025
It was both a personal honor and pleasure to both know and work for Harriet. She not only was a dynamic leader but on a personal level was warm, approachable and always had a good word for everybody she knew and worked with. May the Lord grant her wholeness in Heaven!
Gail G Swineford
June 21, 2025
Our sincere condolences are extended to Joe, Harriet´s
sister and brothers, and those who loved her dearly, as we do.
We find comfort in knowing that she has been resting in peace since June 10, 2025. We feel blessed to have called Harriet friend and family. With love, we are: Bobby and Gail Swineford
N Prince George, VA
Angelia Adediran
June 19, 2025
To the family of Harriet,
My deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. Harriet was an outstanding colleague who I enjoyed working alongside at Richmond Public Library. May her soul rest in peace and her gentle spirit be a reminder to us of her legacy in Richmond!
Rayford Harris Jr.
June 18, 2025
Harriet was a great friend and coworker during our tenure at the City of Richmond. To me, she was Ms. Library. We always had wonderful conversations involving multiple topics. Upon my retirement, she presented me with a beautiful hand-drawn, pen & ink card with a message that only she could craft. Her legacy is a great one and we have her gentle spirit to keep us all focused.
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