Mary Alice Coles

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” Mary Alice Coles gained her wings December 27, 2018.

Born on February 20, 1923 in Newark, New Jersey to her mother Hallie Otel and father Clarence Mallette. Her mother died when she was a week old and Alice and her brother moved to Bedford, Virginia where she was raised by her aunt Lelia Otey.

There was only one school in town and this is where she met the love of her life James H. Coles. Mary graduated and from Bedford Training School in 1943. She also attended cosmetology school in Richmond, Virginia.

Mary and James got married May 31, 1946 in Williamsburg, Virginia and relocated to Wilmington, Delaware the same year.  From this union two sons were born; Richard and David Coles. Mary worked for the State of Delaware in the education department nurturing handicapped children until she retired.

Mary was a member of Scott AME Church from 1949 to 2000 and then became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Mary Alice Coles was a beautiful person inside and out with a warming smile to her bright red heart that matched her red hair. She was funny, very outspoken and would back hand you when you were wrong. Mary enjoyed cooking and her pies and buttered yeast rolls were what she was known for.

Mary was very active in her neighborhood. She was recognized in the News Journal in the early 1990’s for raising money to help J Street Athletics by selling her pies. She loved watching Channel 6’s soap operas and loved talking on the phone. Mary loved her family, she hosted many of the family gatherings.

Mary Alice Coles was predeceased by her husband James of 64 years who passed in 2008 and her only brother, Clarence Mallette

Mary Alice Coles leaves to cherish her memories her two loving sons; Richard B. Coles and David H. Coles, Sr. (Daughter-in-law) Erica Coles, four grandchildren; Daidrianne Coles, David H. Coles, Jr. Mathew K. Coles and Marissa A. Coles. One great granddaughter, Maliyah Rose, special friends The Wisher and Ames Families and a host of other family and friends

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday January 10, 2019 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 215 West 23rd Street Wilm.,DE 19802. Service at 10 AM. Viewing 8-9:45 am. Interment, Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.