LELA RUTH COLES

Lela Ruth McPherson Coles was called by the Lord on May 19, 2022. She is preceded in death by husband of 57 years Army Platoon Sergeant James Coles, her parents John McPherson and Grace (Fountroy McPherson)Welch, Lois James(sister) of Alice, Texas, and George Phillips(brother) of California.

She was born October 6, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas. She was a Phyllis Wheatley High School graduate(Class of ’50). She accepted Christ at a young age, and was baptized in the Salado River by Pastor Rufus Wilson and the Antioch Baptist Church Family. She grew up along with the Wilson family children. When Pastor Wilson founded Mt. Sinai she became a charter member. She also attended Ft. Sam Houston Main Post Gift Chapel 8am Protestant service with her family.

   During her Christian journey, she worked as a Captain for Women’s Day Fund Drives; 1981 Chairlady for the Annual Taste Tea in the La Villita Venue; Women’s Day Chorus; Senior Mission; and an active longtime Usher/Door Keeper.

In her long life she treasured and followed her many strong silver senior mentors.

She was a government employee who began her career at Kelly Air Force Base in September 1951, and then continued it at Ft. Sam Houston Tx., Pope Air Force Base NC, Hickham Air Force Base Hi., Ft. Shafter Army Headquarters Hi., McChord Air Force Wa., Ft. Polk Army Base La., and ending it back where it started at Kelly Air Force Base in 1979 retiring with 28 years of Civil Service.

Shortly after that Lela and Jimmy became a RV family.

She lived a Blessed life. Thanks to the Lord and her team of specialists, She was a 16 year survivor of Stage 3 Bladder Cancer and an 8 year survivor of Lung Cancer.

Her spirit will live on through her children, Cathie Brown Williams, Gregory Coles(Le’Dale), step daughter Mildred Denise Thompson of Pa., granddaughters Traycie Williams and Quiana Foster(Ira), six great grandsons, first cousin Ava Tomes, Mt. Sinai/Main Post Gift Chapel family, and great friends near and far.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LELA RUTH COLES, please visit our floral store.