[1][2] In 1901, Coles married Clinton Caldwell Boone,[1] who had attended seminary at Virginia Union University, located a block north of Hartshorn, and earned his divinity degree in 1900.

[2] The son of a minister, he was born and grew up in Hertford County, North Carolina.

[5] At this time, it was unusual and controversial for American religious organizations to offer people of color missionary opportunities to serve in Africa.

[6] At the Palabala station, she taught kindergarten,[7][3] administered medical treatment, and organized a sewing circle for the women of the village.

[2][3] She tried to teach women to sew, but in the culture of the Kongo people, men traditionally dominated this work.