Mrs. Ophelia Catherine Williams Coulter, 88, of Newton, died on Feb. 8, 2019 at Trinity Ridge Senior Living Community in Hickory

Mrs. Coulter was born in Cleveland County, April 4, 1930, the daughter of the late Wesley Williams and Estella Smarr Parker Williams. She married Harvey Lee Coulter on April 14, 1956. They were married for more than 49 years and he preceded her in death on April 10, 2005. She graduated from Davidson High School in Kings Mountain. She went on to attend Clinton Junior College and Livingstone College receiving her degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in Catawba County at Central School and ended her teaching career of more than 30 years at Boiling Springs Elementary in 1990. Mrs. Coulter touched the lives of many in the community, the school systems where she taught, and her church affiliations. She grew up in Vestibule African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Kings Mountain, and later became a member of Coulters Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Newton. At Coulters Grove she was a member of the Trustee Board, Christian Education Department, Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Life Matron of the Missionary Society, Chancel Choir, Stewardess Board, Distinguished Seniors Citizen Club, and Lay Council. She served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for many years. She represented Coulters Grove at almost every District and Conference meeting for many years and served as the Church Delegate for multiple conference years. She was an outspoken active member, never left anything unsaid yet never held a grudge. When she felt changeswere  needed, she was the advocating voice of fairness and order.Mrs. Coulter did not need an organization, church, or title to do the right thing.  She gave of her time, money, and love. Where she saw a need, she met it without any thought of repayment.

She is also preceded in death by: her sisters, Rebecca Dunlap and Equilla Barnett; her brother, Hiawatha Parker; and recently, her special sister-in-law, Dorothy Coulter Reid.

Survivors: her daughter, Oletha Coulter Rhinehardt of Newton; 2 granddaughters, Olesha C. Rhinehardt of Hickory and Oriel C. Rhinehardt of Newton; a sister, Lestenia Williams McDowell of Kings Mountain; a special sister-in-law, Elizabeth Coulter Shuford of Greensboro; an adopted grandson, the Rev. Dr. David Terrell Miller of Harrisburg, Pa; an adopted daughter, Dorothy Robinson of Newton; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family and friends. Many called her mom and she loved every one.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. at Coulters Grove AME Zion Church in Newton.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service.

Condolences: www.GrahamFuneralHome.net.