LELA RUTH COLES
October 6, 1931 ~ May 19, 2022
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.
Services
Interment: June 9, 2022 1:30 pm - August 26, 2025 2:31 pm
Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryView current weather.
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I AM SO SORRY AND SO SAD TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS Mrs COLES WAS A VERY SOFT SPOKEN AND KIND LADY AND I REALLY ENJOYED THE TIME THAT I DID GET TO SHARE WITH HER AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY UPON OUR SOUL AND I AM PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY FOR YOUR STRENGTH TO GET PAST THIS ORDEAL
A FLOWER WAS PLANTED AND WAS WATERED AND NOURISHED AND PREPARED FOR THIS DAY AND WHEN GOD SEEN THAT THIS FLOWER WAS JUST RIGHT, HE PULLED IT FROM THE GROUND OF THE EARTH AND IT WAS RAPTURED INTO HEAVEN. REST WELL, REST WELL ,UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN IN THE AIR ï¸ï¸ï¸
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of dear Lela. She was a dear and loving friend. We cherish our memories with her. May she rest safe in the arms of Jesus.
Bee and I shared the same birthday and we always sent each other cards. She was a best friend from a distance. She encouraged me spiritually, and was a perfect example of a woman of God.
I will miss our talks and cards with a message and/or a gift..
I will forever you Bee. On 10/6 I will celebrate you and me!
To: Family, May the Lord Bless & Comfort the family
during this time of mourning, May his
Love surround the family in the days
ahead , Stay strong in the knowledge
that death is not forever, but through
Him we are promised everlasting Life.
This is not goodbye, but a temporary
farewell, sending my Love & Prayers
on the lose of a Great woman Mrs.L. Cole
Your Beauty Shop Buddy Ms. Beverly
Dee Morher.
To Cathie & Family, you guys have my deepest condolences & please know God is able. I will continue to ask God to give you guys strength in the mist of your sorrow. Be strong & Im praying.