Alice Coles

Her children shall rise and called her blessed…”
Proverbs 31:28

Alice Louise Coles (74), of Bayview, VA peacefully departed this life at Sentara Leigh Hospital on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Alice lived an amazing life!  She was born on March 4, 1951 to late Carlisle and Mary Fisher Coles in Portsmouth, Virginia. Alice was raised with her ten siblings. She began her early childhood education in Portsmouth City Public Schools. She and her family often visited “the Shore” for the economic reason of working in the agriculture fields. This influenced her to move to Northampton County at the age of sixteen. She graduated from Northampton High School in 1971.

Alice entered the workforce as a dedicated laborer for various local employers.  She always demonstrated leadership and social justice skills, wherever she worked.  For example, she was the Organizer and Representative Leader in inviting members to join the union” at Perdue Farms in the early 70’s.  She did so much more I can not write it all.

Alice really enjoyed good music, especially live entertainment. She loved to travel, and didn’t mind catching a flight.  She traveled all over the country.  She toured Nigeria four times!
She was also passionate about dining out. She would often be seen at a local restaurant  almost any day.
Alice loved spending time with her family and creating special memories.  She was a great speaker and also she was a wonderful storyteller. Oh- how she loved to tell us stories! Anyone who knows Alice knows that she could talk for hours about anything that she was passionate  about.

Her greatest and proudest accomplishment, began when she joined local Citizens Opposing a Prison (COP) that was being placed in our community.  After gaining the victory over not allowing a prison to be placed in our backyards, she organized the community of Bayview in Bayview, Virginia.  She became one of the founders of (501C3) non -profit  organization.  She was the driving force in raising over thirteen million dollars for building our community!

Alice is the pioneer in building a new rural village.  Where many residents are provided running water and an opportunity to become first time home buyers.  She leaves an incredible legacy behind as she vigorously lobbied, advocated and labored to provide decent affordable housing for Northampton County.  She was continuously fighting for social justice.  Yes! She was a true activist!

She was preceded in death by four brothers, James, John , Walter and Nathaniel Coles, four sisters, Virginia Moses, Juanita Stoakley, Novella James, and Gwendolyn Coles
She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Niketa Ayers (Lawrence),  Bayview, VA, her son Reginald Coles, Norfolk, VA, three grandchildren, Loreacer Anthony(Elton) Jabias Kellam and Ialiyah Wynder, one great-granddaughter Na’Vani Kellam, two sisters, Barbara Brickhouse Portsmouth, VA and June Staton (Raymond), Chesapeake ,VA. One sister in law Rochelle Coles, and one brother in law Alvin Stoakley, and a host of nieces , nephews, cousins friends and other relatives.  A special friend whom she often visited and traveled with  is Ms. Hattie Holley whom she loved dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Alice Louise Coles, please visit our floral store.