Colette Yvonne Crum-Coates

Born in Columbia Presbyterian, Medical Center in New York City, Colette Yvonne Crum graced this earth on August 7, 1951. Who could have known such a precious and petite baby of only 3 ½ lbs would grow into a phenomenal woman and a force to be reckoned with! As the first born to Gertrude Jones-Crum and George Samuel Crum (both deceased), Colette showed remarkable spirit, curiosity, and a propensity to “figure things out”! The Riverton Houses was where it all began as Colette and her younger and only brother, affectionately known as Georgie Alan and their cousin Anthony Crum (deceased) played in the playgrounds of their beloved community. They were proud Rivertonians, as their neighborhood fostered a strong sense of community and lifelong relationships. She often spoke fondly of time spent with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in East Orange, New Jersey – her mom’s side of the family. Her primary education was at Saint Mark the Evangelist School through the 8th grade, going on to high school at Saint Michaels and then to Muhlenberg College in Allentown Pennsylvania on a full scholarship for her bachelor’s degree and then on to Bank Street College of Education to attain her master’s in education. Colette loved, loved, loved reading, and learning and sharing what she’d learned with others. After trying her hand at retail in her teens and early twenties, joining The United States Postal Service, working her way up to supervisor, Colette honed her skills and her passion for teaching into a career in education. She taught primary education at Open Door Nursery School, then on to the New York City Public School System and later, after relocating to Virginia, she joined the Powhattan County Public School system and finally retiring from Henrico County Public Schools. Colette enjoyed life…traveling around the world and meeting new people. She loved to talk (in English and fluent Spanish). There wasn’t a person she wouldn’t speak to (and she didn’t back down from a good debate!) She loved her family…those near and far alike. She kept in touch, kept her promises, and kept her relationships close to her heart and all who knew her were blessed by her kindness, her wisdom, her anecdotes, generosity of time and attention and her love. She was a hands-on daughter, sister, wife, cousin, aunt, and friend. There is not a soul in this room or beyond whose life wasn’t enriched and made better by having Colette in it. Her love stretched wide and ran deep, but none deeper than the love she had for her high school sweetheart, husband, life partner and best friend Stanley Coates. Stanley and Colette’s love story was one from fairy tales; a classic love story of boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl again and boy marries girl, and they ride off into the sunset! “The Universe gives you what you need” she’d always say, as Colette chose and embraced Nichiren Buddhism for her spiritual journey. She would always chant for you, put your name on her altar and petition for you and your situation…good or bad. Well, the universe gave them each what they needed…each other. It gave Colette to Stanley to love and cherish and Colette loved her “Stan”. The two were inseparable. Although Colette had a very independent spirit, and would do what she wanted, when she wanted, she loved spending time with her husband, vacationing in Disney, shopping at Home Depot and Lidl’s, gardening, even “helping” Stanley with projects around the house…by cheering him on! She looked after him and he looked after her until she was called home. Colette loved angels and was an avid collector of them. She’d pick up a figurine, or a painting whenever, wherever she could. Look around her home and you will see evidence of her love for them. Well…she’s OUR angel now. Sleep well sweet angel. Colette leaves to honor her life and cherish her memory: Her beloved husband Stanley Coates …Her loving brother George Alan Crum (Barbara)…Her devoted sister Anne Marie Jackson (Dave)…All her loving cousins, her adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and godchildren, and more friends, students, coworkers, neighbors, and extended family than one can even begin to name. A wake for Colette will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A wake will occur Monday, June 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Crum-Coates family.