Bishop Thomas L. Coles, Sr.

Here lies Bishop and Reverend Thomas L. Coles, Sr. who entered into the world on April 28, 1933 in Brooklyn New York to parents John Booker Coles and Florence Barnetta Lewis-Coles. He was raised with the three older siblings; John Booker Coles III, Stanley and Dorothy. He had a colorful childhood and enjoyed playing with his siblings, pets and friends in the neighborhood. Thomas graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School and continued his education at various collegiate institutions including Shelton College and Queensborough college. Finally, he received his Bachelor of Science degree at Adelphi University and was honored as being the eldest student in his graduating class of 1996. He also received a Master's in Theology in 2004.

At the tender age of 13, his mother asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he responded that all that he wanted was that the Lord would save his soul. Thomas's mother was so delighted that her son wanted to live a holy life, that she proceeded to do a holy dance in private. As a child ,Thomas and his mother attended the world-renowned Mother Rosa Horne church. Bishop Coles' devotion to Christ led to his journey to become an ordained minister under the leadership of Bishop Walter Madison Warner in Baltimore, Maryland. This was a blessed fortuitous decision as it led to the union with the angelic Betty Ruth Young. They were married in wedded bliss for over 65 years. Dad like his mother loved children and wanted nine boys so he could have a baseball team however, Betty was not in agreement. They decided that two children were a blessing. The couple decided to raise their family in Brooklyn, New York and were blessed with their first child Phyllis Barnetta on May 28, 1958. Soon, they welcomed their second child Thomas Littleton, Jr. on April 5, 1964.

Bishop loved his two children and cherished them. Despite working long hours arduous at work he always found time to spend with his children. His kids were truly his pride and joy. He played a vital role in the education of his children and always taught his kids to be proud of their black heritage. As a father, he also managed to find quality time to play games with his children, taught them to ride a bike and eventually drive a car. He also encouraged his children to be inquisitive and to always seek God first as well as establish and maintain a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Among his many accomplishments, Dad was an entrepreneur and organizer as well as the Grandmaster 33 Degree of the Order of Masons and Eastern Stars. The first church Bishop Coles founded was the First Citadel Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York. In the secular world, Bishop was the first African American head cutter in the knitwear industry on the East coast. He was a self-proclaimed renaissance man. Bishop Coles was also a real estate investor as he purchased and managed multiple properties in Brooklyn, New York. If that was not enough, when he moved his family to Lakeview, New York, in 1972, he became active in local politics where he was appointed to a leadership position in the local Democratic Club. Bishop Coles was subsequently elected to President of the Lakeview chapter of NAACP. In 1978, Bishop Coles was appointed as Pastor of the St. John's Baptist Church in Lakeview, New York. In 1984, Bishop presided over the completion of the construction of the new half million dollar St, John's Baptist Church. The dedication of this new edifice was honored with a parade throughout the neighborhood which was attended by Governor Mario Cuomo and Supervisor Tom Gulotta of the Town of Hempstead.

Bishop was also the family historian who conducted extensive research of his family. He performed this research at the library of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Acquiring this information was difficult at that time as he conducted this research before the internet. Thomas also organized family reunions and wrote "American Cousins" which documented the research that he conducted. Bishop was also an educator at the Malverne School District where he championed young people and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

After he retired as Pastor of St. John's Baptist Church, he conducted bible study at his home. His students marveled at his biblical knowledge and loved how he cared about their individual salvation. He was more than a pastor figure; he was a friend.

Pastor Coles always believed that one of the greatest privileges and most significant responsibility as a Christian leader was the title of pastor or shepherd in God's household. He believed it was crucial for everyone to provide for others in a shepherding manner, even though the Bible says that only a select few are genuinely qualified to be the shepherd of God's flock. Bishop made it his mission to make sure that the shepherds we choose have good hearts and a track record of providing for others. He would say, let's cooperate, pray and carry out the ministry while they are in control.

One of Bishop's favorite bible verses was from Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God will be with you wherever you go."

To celebrate his Homegoing and rejoice in his memory are his children Phyllis and Thomas, "Pepper", his caregiver Kalifa, nieces, Denise, Deedra, Laurie, Rachael, Thomasina, nephew John III, Rayner, grand nephew Kyle, grand nieces, Raecine and Amber, and great grand niece Hadassah and great grand nephew Issac and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, US, on July 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on July 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Interment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735, US, on July 10, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.