Jeanne Denise Coleman

Jeanne Denise Coleman was born May 12, 1948, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Pastor Edgar Lee Robinson and Iago Osgood Robinson, Jeanne Denise Coleman peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

A proud “PK” (preacher’s kid) and only child, Jeanne accepted Christ at a young age and often reminded others, with her signature wit, that “she knew Him well”; though she was known to test Him, her parents, and superiors every chance she got. Fiercely spirited and full of life, she never met a challenge she wouldn’t face head-on and inspired others to do the same.

Jeanne spent her early years in Gary, Indiana, just blocks away from the Jackson Five, before relocating with her family to San Diego, California, in the early 1960s when Edgar was called to pastor his very own church. She attended Memorial Jr. High and San Diego High School, where she formed lifelong friendships. During those years, she met Clarence “Jack” Pearson, Jr., whom she married in 1968. They welcomed a beautiful daughter, Kimberly Rochelle. In 1980, Jeanne married Kendall Lennie Coleman, and several years later they found themselves preparing for the arrival of Kevane La’Marr.

Known affectionately as “JJ”, “Jay”, and “Mama C”, Jeanne was the life of every party. She had a gift for putting others at ease and making them laugh. She was the first baseman on an all-Black women’s softball team where she unabashedly trash-talked opponents and dared any runner to steal second base. She also shared a passion for racquetball, which she played regularly until injuries sidelined her, though nothing could keep her from dancing or enjoying life well into her senior years.

A firm believer in the value of education and hard work, JJ first attended Pepperdine University, but took a break. Ultimately, she ended up earning her Bachelor’s degree from United States International University (USIU) and a Master’s in Education from San Diego State University (SDSU), all while raising a family and working. Her career in education spanned 30+ years with the San Diego City School District where she taught physical education, social studies, English, and history; she also served as the softball Coach at Mission Bay High School. During her 41-years of service at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), she was acknowledged for “Outstanding Performance in helping to make Del Mar: America’s Finest Racetrack”. She was a beloved figure among staff, DMTC leadership, and VIP’s (because she was a VIP in her own right and who would dare tell her that she wasn’t?).

Jay had a generous heart and a strong moral compass. She was quick to offer help, food, or shelter to anyone in need. Just as her birth sign would suggest, she was outspoken, funny, wise, and deeply loyal to those she loved. She lived by the motto: “You’d better do what you can while you can.”

Mama C wouldn’t want a lot of tears, but rather laughter and celebration for a life richly lived!

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant sibling. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Kimberly (Ricky) of Indian Trail, NC; her son Kevane of Escondido, CA; and a host of relatives, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Special lifelong friends she would want named include Mrs. Margaret Carter and family, Ms. Era Turner and family, Ms. Shirley Austin and family, Mrs. Kathy McCray and family, and Mrs. DeSha Walker and family. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎