Alma Louise Coles

Alma Louise Cade Coles, retired Indianapolis, Indiana Public School Senior Media Specialist Cataloguing Clerk, transitioned peacefully on the morning of February 18, 2024, at her home in Indianapolis, IN.

Born on August 13, 1938, to the late Alma Louise Rowe Cade and Richard D. Cade Sr. on the family farm in Linden, Alabama, Alma Louise was Christened at an early age at Cade’s Chapel A.M.E. Church in Hugo, Alabama. She was full of adventure, while living in Linden, and that adventurous spirit prevailed throughout her life. Louise attended Linden Academy School until 1946, when the family moved to Mobile, Alabama. In Mobile, along with her six siblings and her beloved mother and father, Louise joined Bethel A.M.E. Church. In 1956 she graduated from Mobile’s “Mighty” Central High School. After graduation, Louise enrolled in Alabama State College (Branch) Mobile. Upon completing two years at the Branch, Louise placed her education on hold to get married. Louise and her husband briefly lived in Ohio, before finally settling for a time in Groton, CT. When he retired from the U.S. Navy, they settled in Indianapolis.

In Indianapolis, Louise found her passion and value in her work at IPS. Her responsibility for cataloging and maintaining a database of more than 1 million centralized records for schools in central Indiana brought her much joy. She took her additional role as an IPS disaster recovery and mitigation team member very seriously. She also worked on the team to bring new media centers online in newly constructed or remodeled IPS buildings. After retirement, Louise traveled extensively in the U.S. and loved that experience. She had a desire to learn to swim and embarked on that new venture at age 66. She was one of the seniors who made history in April 2007, as she became a member of the first all-African American women relay team to compete in the YMCA National Masters Short Course Championships. Her team swam in the Women’s 55-64 age group, 200 Freestyle Relay at the IUPUI Natatorium. “Their determination will provide encouragement for other senior citizens and African-Americans”, said the ladies swim coach who also noted that attendees of their competition left inspired and uplifted by their courage and spirit. They were motivated by their own personal goals and their will and power to break through social barriers.

When Louise encountered a major challenge in her life, she relied upon God to show her the way, guide and direct her path. Through the Lord’s blessings, she provided a path for all three of her children to achieve a college education. Never meeting a stranger, she was very talkative, with a good sense of humor. Louise relied on her faith in God, and the power of prayer, to order her steps in her life. Louise loved the Lord, her family, and especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Alma Louise Coles is proceeded in death by her parents, Richard, and Alma Cade, and her three sisters Gwendolyn Cade Davis, Agnes Cade Walker, Bettie Brown and one brother William J. Cade Jr.

Louise is survived by three Children: Zetra Elaine Allen, Indianapolis, IN., Dr. Harold A. Coles (Becky), Elsah, IL., and Christopher W. Coles (Evie) Orlando, FL.

Seven Grandchildren: Jennifer Monk, Indianapolis, IN., Krystal Thompson (Eric) Nashville, TN., Christopher Warren Coles II (CJ), Orlando, FL., Lakiera Poole Elsah, IL., Jacquez Poole, Elsah, IL., and Michaela E. Coles, Elsah, IL.

Two Great Grandchildren: Kaydence Nicole Williams, Indianapolis, IN., and Ethan Henry Pope, Nashville, TN.

Four Siblings: Jaunetha Cade, Cora Lemmon, and Amelia Bacon, all of whom reside in Mobile, AL, and Richard D. Cade Jr., Los Angeles, CA.

Special longtime friends: Ann Pernell, Toni and Dee Dee Strum, Carol Rutland, Eugene (Geno) Cole, Christine Coe, and Dorothy Crenshaw. Nieces: Cynthia Cade, Keepler Benson, Michelle Cade, Warring Cade, Sauntra Kanu, Kimberly Bacon (Ten), and Jada Cooper.

Nephews: Dexter Davis, Terrell Cade, Alex Nettles, Paul Lemmon, David F. Bacon IV(Amy), Richard Cade III, and Eric Crenshaw.

Great nieces and great nephews: Theryn Gray, Desiree Ellison and Donial Fayson, great nephews David F. Bacon V (Quincy), Richard Fayson and Eddie Dai’Re.

A host of cousins and other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Alma L. Coles to the Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_ids

Friends may call from 10AM-12pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at New Zion Church, 955 Oliver Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana. A funeral service will begin at 12PM. Alma will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery.