A Life Well Lived….

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelations 21:4

Reverend James Leo Coles was born August 9, 1941, in Hanover, Virginia to the late Deacon James Henry and Frances Coles. God called him home on February 22, 2023, at his home after a courageous battle with an illness.  Leo was preceded in death by his first wife Alice Jackson Coles, sister, Roberta Lopez; brother, Stuart (Alphonso) Coles; and nephew, Roger Coles.

At an early age, Leo accepted Christ and was baptized at Mount Olivet Baptist church where he was a faithful and active member.

Leo received his early childhood education from Bethany Elementary and graduated from John M. Gandy High School in Hanover, Virginia.  After graduation, he joined the armed forces, serving three active years in the Army.

Upon leaving the Army, Leo followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career as barber and hairstylist. This career would span for over sixty years. He received his certificate as a Master Barber from Turpin's School of Barbering in 1969.  Leo was a co-owner of Supreme

Hairstyling in Richmond, Virginia and would become the proud owner of "Leo's Classic Hair Care" until his retirement in 2008.  Never one to sit idle, Leo enjoyed a lifelong passion of upholstery which he continued throughout his retirement.

On August 2, 1986, Leo was licensed to preach and was ordained on June 25,1989. Reverend Coles was installed as pastor of Watch Tower Baptist Church on July 30, 1989, where he served for several years. He faithfully served Mount Olivet Baptist Church as an associate minister until his health began to fail.  Revered Coles furthered his ministerial studies at Virginia Union University's School of Theology and the Baptist General Convention of Virginia where he received a Master of Divinity Degree.

Leo was a motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed riding and showcasing his motorcycles in car shows and motorcycle rallies.  Leo received his diploma in motorcycle repair from the International Correspondence School in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Reverend Coles leaves to mourn his legacy, a loving and devoted Christian wife, Deloise T. Coles; a loving daughter, Tanya Coles of Richmond, Virginia; two sons: Terry Russell (LaJuan) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Titus Russell (Charlene) of Woodbridge, Virginia; stepdaughter, Stacy Taylor of Herndon, Virginia; five grandchildren: Taylor, Natavia, Chardé, Shana, and Adrian (step grandson); one sister, Barbara Houchens; two brothers, Otis and Alvin Coles, all of Montpelier, Virginia; mother-in-law, Ethel Gladys Taylor of Mineral, Virginia; five sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many church families across the area.

All Clergy Are Asked To Please Wear Their Robes To The Funeral Service