Lucille Tompkins Coles

Mrs. Lucille Tompkins Coles, 91, departed this life on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born June 1, 1914 in Henrico County. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Melvin Coles and her 18 siblings. Mrs. Coles was a woman of great faith and was very active in her church, The Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, for over 70 years. Along with being active in her church, she was a mother to many within her family and community. She lived by her motto: "I have never met a person who was a stranger." She lived this motto daily by caring for the homeless, elderly, needy and many people of all walks of life. She was also a foster mother to over 18 children. She was loved by many and is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Gloria V. Gatison (Jerry) of Texarkana, Texas; five grandchildren, Mr. Willie E. Hilliard Jr., Mr. James Melvin Hilliard, Elder Toni L. Jackson, U.S. Army Sergeant David A.S. Williams (Mary) of Austin, Texas and Miss Teri S. Gatison of Texarkana, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, one devoted, Miss Destiny, Kenya, Ray Jr., Joseph, Desmond, Asia, Asha, Sidney, Dajour and Cesar; two great-great-grandchildren, Little Miss Amaya and Master Marcus Jr. She is also survived by four nieces, Mrs. Eleanor Christian, Mrs. Brenda Grant (Rufus), Allysa Moore (Frank) and Nora Pleasants (William); one nephew, Charlie Tompkins; a host of great-nieces, nephews, family and friends; one devoted, Mrs. Kathy Boothe (William). The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2005 at the Hattie T. Jenkins Memorial Chapel at The Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue, Richmond, Va. A homegoing service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2005 at The Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, located at 7204 Bethlehem Road, Richmond, Va., where the remains will lie in state one hour prior to the homegoing service with Pastor Angelo Chatmon, officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens. Sympathy cards and other expressions of sorrow can be sent to the family at 7300 Bowler Street, Richmond, Va. 23228 or sent by e-mail to: theestateoflucilletcoles@yahoo.com