God sees when the footsteps falter

When the pathway has grown too steep

Then he touches the weary eyelids

And gives his dear one's sleep.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Odell Coles departed this life at Oakwood Health and Rehab in Bedford, Virginia.

Odell was one of ten children born in Bedford County Virginia to the late William Dennis Coles and Catherine Burrell Coles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbert and Israel Coles and a son Arnold V. Coles.

Odell was baptized at an early age as a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Odell returned to Bedford County Virginia after living in Connecticut and Northern Virginia for many years. Upon his return, he reunited with Antioch Baptist Church and served as a trustee until failing health.

Odell retired from the Arlington County Public School System.

Odell leaves to mourn his loss two daughters, Ramona Kay Coles and Deborah L. Coles; grandchildren, Kevin Coles (Michelle), Eugene Jones, Kenneth Nixon and Letitia Coles, multiple grand and great grandchildren; four brothers, Roger, Lorenza, Nathaniel and John. He has three sisters, Betty Mae Jackson, Nearlean Tanner and Virginia Robinson; multiple nieces and nephews with special nieces Sandra Robinson and Tammy Tanner. Special friend, Debora Neely of Providence Rhode Island.