Mrs. Mary Potter Coles

It is with heartfelt sympathy that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Coles family announce the transition of Mrs. Mary Potter Coles of Darlington, SC, formerly of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Mrs. Coles passed away peacefully at her residence in Darlington, SC, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, following an illness.

Visitation for family and friends will be 10:00 AM-2:00 PM daily at the home, 1444 Society Hill Rd, Darlington, SC. 

Public viewing will be 12:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, November 25, 2024, at St James United Methodist Church, 312 Pearl St, Darlington, SC. 

Obituary

    Mrs. Mary Potter Coles was born on October 20, 1925, a daughter of the late Crystalia Prince and Oswald Potter on the beautiful island of St Thomas, Virgin Islands. She was affectionately known to the family as "May May." She departed this earthly life peacefully at her home in Darlington, SC, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the age of 99.

     Mary graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School and left her precious Virgin Islands for New York City to pursue her education, and to be able to provide better opportunities for her family in the islands. While in New York City, she never forgot her humble beginnings. She worked tirelessly, and she was relentless about pursuing her education.

    Mary graduated from the University of the State of New York. In 1955, she obtained licenses from The State of New York Education Department, and the State Board of Examiners to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). To realize her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), as we would say in the Virgin Islands, "she took nights to make days," by tirelessly working at the Hospital in Brooklyn, while pursuing her degree at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing. It was during this very challenging time of her life that something special happened. She met and eventually married Holden Clifton Coles in 1972, who she often described as" the best thing that ever happened to me."

    In 1984, Mary retired from New York City as a RN and with her beloved husband Holden by her side, moved to Darlington, SC. They built a home, which was often the center of social events in Darlington, established lifelong friends & family, and became fully immersed in the community.

    As a spirited, fun loving, and ambitious individual, Mary traveled extensively and was an active member of the Elks and the United Order of Graham’s Tent organizations. She pursued a license to practice Nursing in the State of South Carolina, and in 1984 she was granted her license by the State Board of Nursing. 

     In her latter years, as she began to truly enjoy and embrace retirement, she enjoyed making all of her Caribbean dishes and pastries, sending care packages to family and friends in the Virgin Islands, creating crafts, being a member of the choir at St James United Methodist Church, and attending community events held by her various organizations.

    Mary was preceded in death by her dear parents, Crystalia and Oswald, and her loving husband, Holden. 

    Mary "May-May” Coles will be greatly missed by her Bonelli/Potter/Davis/Smith-McCrae family of the Virgin Islands, and her Darlington family and friends. 

Rest easy in Paradise, "Caribbean Queen."

One Love

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Mary Potter Coles in your thoughts and prayers. 

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