Hampton Roads Community News
NJG Remembers Art Jarrett, Sr. “Mr. Coca Cola”
The Hampton Roads community mourns the loss of Arthur H. Jarrett, Sr., affectionately known as “Mr. Coca-Cola,” who touched countless lives through his work, church service, and dedication to the Black community.
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HAMPTON ROADS
The area is mourning the passing of Arthur H. Jarrett, Sr., 84, who is remembered for the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
He was affectionately well-known by many as “Mr. Coca-Cola” for his lengthy career with Coca Cola Enterprises where he notably built bridges and relationships between the corporate world and the Black community.
Jarrett took a position in 1969 with the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Winston Salem, N.C. as a manager in special markets, following his graduation from Winston Salem State College (now University). As a student he had worked at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco company during the day and attended college at night to eventually earn a Bachelors of Science degree.
In 1970, he joined the Miami Coca-Cola Bottling Company where he continued his work in the Black and Hispanic markets, now commonly called urban markets. In 1979, Jarrett joined the corporate office of Coca-Cola USA and relocated his family to Dallas, TX. In 1983, the family relocated to Hampton Roads, VA where he became the Special Markets Manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises.
Jarrett spent most of his career working in urban markets and gaining accounts with many Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the SWAC, CIAA and MEAC Conferences. In 2002, Jarrett was inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame due to his exemplary work with HBCUs. He was affectionately referred to as “Mr. Coca-Cola.” He retired from Coca-Cola in 2002.
Arthur Henry Jarrett, Sr. was born on Feb 28, 1940, to Bynum Jarrett and Judy Brooks Jarrett – the fourth of their seven children.
Reared in Winston Salem, NC, Jarrett served as an active member in the family church, Goler AME Church in Winston Salem.
After graduation from Atkins High School, Jarrett joined the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1961-1964 on active duty and from 1964-1967 as a reservist. Following his honorable military service, he attended Winston-Salem State College where, in 1965, he met the love of his life, Angela Wynn. The couple married the following year in Asheville, NC.
Soon after arriving in Hampton Roads, the entire Arthur Jarrett family joined Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Albert Paul Brinson. A committed and faithful church member, Jarrett served on the Ministry of Trustees Board, the Men’s Day chorus, and the Men’s Fellowship, chairing several Men’s Day celebrations. He was one of the “Great Chefs of Bank Street.”
In 1998, Jarrett was ordained as a Deacon at Banks Street. He served as coordinator of the Food Pantry Ministry for many years, expanding the ministry to include a clothing closet, household furnishing, and a Meals on Wheels program.
Deacon Jarrett provided leadership and coordination on several church and community affairs like the Church’s annual Back to School Bash. He served the Food Pantry Ministry with corporate organization, efficiency and compassion. In honor of his dedicated church service, he was awarded the Man of the Year award in 2007, presented by the Men’s Fellowship a Bank Street.
Active in the community, Jarrett received many awards and accolades, including, the United Negro College Fund Distinguished Leadership Award, the Urban League Point of Light Award, the NAACP Virginia State Conference Award, the Charles Boone Award at Coca Cola Enterprises, and the New Journal and Guide Publisher’s Appreciation Award.
Jarrett also served as President of the Winston Salem State University Alumni Association. He was a Prince Hall Mason and a Shriner with Arabia Temple No. 12 Portsmouth, VA. And he was a 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
The most cherished title he held was Papa. Jarrett loved being a Papa and cherished spending time with family! He enjoyed good humor and laughter with countless family members and friends. He was a sports enthusiast – Saturdays were all about college football, particularly Norfolk State tailgates followed by Sunday afternoon NFL football games with family and friends. He was a master griller, consummate brisket smoker and accomplished fish fryer – complemented by his uniquely tasty coleslaw.
In addition to his parents, Jarrett was predeceased by his siblings – Ann Weaver, Charles Jarrett, John T. Jarrett, Ruby Hines, Mary Jane Clause, and a nephew – Monroe Weaver.
Arthur Jarrett, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 58 years, Angela Wynn Jarrett; sons – Earl Irby and Arthur Henry Jarrett, Jr.; daughters – Anissa Walker (Michael), Antoinette Bacon (Ray), and Apryl Johnson (Damon); grandchildren – Nicole Irby, Jarrett M. Walker (Chantalle), Marissa S. Rogers (Nicholas), Felicity Parham (Ken), Kayla White and Ayden Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Eden, Zane and Sarai.
He also leaves his brother Robert Grey Jarrett (Claudette); brothers-in-law – James A. Wynn Jr. (Jacqueline), Reginald A. Wynn, Arnie M. Wynn (Pamela); and sisters-in-law – Joan Wynn Hyman, Anita Wynn Ross (Lonnie); a special cousin Kim Logan (Charles) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
