Virginia Robinson Coles

Virginia Coles passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17th, 2025 at the age of 105 years.  She was born on May 17th, 1920 in Newport News as Elizabeth Virginia Robinson to the late Ernest Robinson of Newport News, and Ida Jefferson of New Kent County, VA.

Virginia matriculated her higher education at Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. It was there she met her beloved husband, Aubrey Coles of Phoebus, VA.  The two were wed in June of 1941.  She later graduated in 1942 with a degree in Home Economics.

The couple settled in Hampton, Virginia during their marriageand were members of Zion Baptist Church.  Virginia’s love and deep focus of education continued during her career as a teacherin the elementary school system.  She taught over 20 years at various schools, including Newsome Park Elementary in Warwick, Booker T. Washington Elementary, and Jefferson Elementary, both in Newport News.  

Virginia was an avid traveler and had the privilege to visit South Korea, Egypt, Thailand, Gambia, Israel, Hong Kong and Senegal, among other countries during her life.

Virginia’s passions included knitting, sewing, protecting the environment, and the arts. Her memberships include The Virginia Retired Teachers’ Association, Golden Thimble Needlecraft Guild, Peninsula Literary Council, and the NAACP.

She is predeceased by her husband, Aubrey, and her sisters Helen MacRae of Newport News and Lillian Lovett of Philadelphia.  Virginia is survived by her beloved niece Linda Tucker of East Orange, NJ, great nephew Michael Tucker of Hackensack, NJ, great niece Michelle Tucker of Newark, NJ, and third cousin Chelsea Garcia of New Kent, VA with her husband Wesley and their children Wesley Jr. and Alexandra. She is also survived by dear friends Ms. Carolyn Floyd, Mrs. Chandra Garcia, Mr. Carl Burt and his wife Helen, Mr. Roland Hines, as well as many more cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hampton University Department of Fine Arts, or Zion Baptist Church of Hampton.

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