Mary Helen Brown Coles

Mary Helen Brown Coles, of Lynchburg, VA is now resting among the angels. Having fulfilled her journey on earth, she went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Mary also, known to many as “Helen” was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mabel Brown, a son, Larry Coles, and daughter, Mary Jones; and two grandchildren, Steven Coles, and Keith Payne. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Gertrude Wright, Pauline Stevens, Virginia Calloway, Frances Coles, Juanita Jackson, James Brown, Samuel Brown, and Thomas Brown.

Mary gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined the Otterville Baptist Church where she sang in the Gospel Chorus and Senior Choir. Her dedication and commitment to worshipping the Lord was evident in church service as she shared many testimonies on how good God had been to her. She loved her church family, and her church family loved her deeply. Anyone that knew her, knew she loved to talk and tell a story, and always greeted you with big hug. She was proud of her extensive elephant collection. 

Mary graduated from Susie G. Gibson High School in Bedford, and her career spanned over many years as a culinary professional, expressing her love through delicious cuisine within the Lynchburg City Schools, The Presbyterian Home, and Colonial Hills Golf Course, where she touched many lives and formed lifelong bonds. She was a devoted friend to many, including her neighbors where she resided at Clearbrook Apartments.

Mary was dedicated to her family and was an Amazing Mother, Nurturing Grandmother, Devoted Sister, Loving Aunt and Exceptional Friend; and to the Otterville Baptist Church, she was a Virtuous Woman, exemplifying characteristics of wisdom, kindness, loving, supportive, trustworthy, and full of faith. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her, but a place will remain in our hearts forever. She was a light that will never stop shining.

Mary is survived by her children, Barbara Andrews, Thomas Coles (Monica), Sheila Coles, Kecia Jones (Kirkland, Sr.) and an honorary son, Billy Cooper; grandchildren, David Coles, Christopher Jones, Cedric Jones, Kirkland Jones, Jr., Lekeshia Coles, James Coles, Eric Coles, and Kearia Jones; 17 Great Grandchildren; and 4 Great-Great grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings, Geraldine B. Spinner, Charles Brown, Gloria Brown; brother in laws, Glenn Jackson, Sr. and Cecil Coles; sister in law, Phyllis Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Otterville Baptist Church, Bedford, Va. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.