MEET COLETTE
Author. Mother. Wife. Woman of Faith. Community Advocate.
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Colette Coco Anthony has always had a love for reading, writing, and helping others. Raised in the church, she was deeply influenced by her grandmother, who instilled in her a strong foundation of faith and taught her the importance of building a personal relationship with God.
At 18, Colette migrated to the United States to be with her mother. She went on to attend Kean College, earning her bachelor's degree in psychology. Throughout her life, her love for people, her faith, and her desire to make a difference have remained at the heart of who she is.
Where Her Story Begins
A Love That Changed Her Life
Along the way, Colette met the love of her life, Derick Anthony. Their love story led to marriage in 2019, beginning a beautiful chapter that would become one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
But on January 9, 2026, Colette's world changed forever when her beloved husband, Derick, tragically passed away.
The loss shook her to her core. The grief was unlike anything she had ever experienced, and there were moments when the pain felt impossible to overcome. Her faith was tested in ways she had never known, and finding a way forward seemed unimaginable.
Yet, even in the darkest moments, she held on to God. Through the difficult days and the long nights, she found comfort in His presence, strength in His promises, and grace to face each new day. When she didn't know how she would make it through, God continued to carry her.
Held Through the Hurt
In the midst of her grief, Colette began creating what would become Held Through the Hurt: A Biblical Grief Guide for Adults.
Through personal reflection, prayer, and Scripture, she found comfort and strength as she learned to navigate life after loss. What began as a personal journey of healing became a source of encouragement she felt called to share with others.
Her prayer is that this book reminds readers that grief takes time, God remains present through the pain, and healing does not mean forgetting the people we love. Sometimes, we simply need to take it one day at a time and allow God to guide us forward.
Faith Beyond the Pages
In 2014, Colette founded Plainfield Angels, a community initiative dedicated to serving individuals and families in need throughout New Jersey, New York, and the Caribbean (Trinidad and St. Vincent).
Through community feedings, clothing and shoe drives, and other outreach efforts, she works to meet essential needs and bring compassion to those facing difficult circumstances.
For Colette, faith is more than something to believe in. It's something to live out through service, kindness, and meaningful acts of love.