VA HR300

Virginia R. Coles, a Newport News native and devoted educator, died on December 17, 2025, at the age of 105

Graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1942 and was the oldest living alumna at the time of her passing

Taught elementary school students for 20 years in Newport News area schools, including Newsome Park Elementary School

Active member of Zion Baptist Church since 1941, where she served as a reading teacher, tutoring volunteer, and taught crochet and knitting classes

Volunteered with Peninsula Reads promoting adult literacy and held memberships in the Virginia Retired Teachers Association, Golden Thimble Needlecraft Guild, and NAACP