Catherine "Mother Catherine" Coleman

Mrs. Catherine Coleman, “Mother Catherine,” was born in Monticello, Arkansas on November 11, 1914. She married her late husband of 61 years, Earlee Coleman, at age 19. Together, they became parents of three sons: Wardell, Roosevelt, and Azell. Motherhood brought great joy to Catherine, and she and Earlee raised there boys to be men of great integrity. Her sons have achieved the highest noncommissioned rank possible in the United States Army, traveled the world, and met top government officials. Mrs. Coleman’s affections and prayer have always been dedicated to the needs of her family, and her sons brought great joy to her life. Mrs. Coleman cared lovingly for her husband during his struggle with diabetes, until he preceded her in death in 1994. Mrs. Coleman endured the loss of two sons who preceded her in death: Azell and Wardell. Wardell was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. The Coleman family has lived in Little Rock since 1941. Catherine Coleman has been a member of Bethel AME Church for 75 years, where she served as usher, class leader and worked on the beautification committee. She was known by her church members as the beautiful, quiet, stylish lady with a lovely smile.

Mrs. Coleman was also a blessing to ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by one grandchild, Ronny Coleman. She has provided quiet and spiritual wisdom and counsel to all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all their lives. Her grandchildren spent many nights at their Mother Catherine’s house, and the times were always special, solely because of the chance to be with Mother Catherine. Her grandchildren have honored Mother Catherine with their accomplishment in many professional fields. Most importantly, they honor her by holding the deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ that has always guided her. Mrs. Coleman was preceded in death by one grandchild,

Mother Catherine’s life has also been a great influence in the nurturing of her great-grandchildren. Through the grace of God, Mrs. Coleman’s presence of mind, clarity of thought, and keen awareness never faded throughout her 103 years. Her great-grandchildren are honor graduates from division one universities, achieved post-graduate degrees, and started their own families. Mother Catherine had individual, personal relationships with all of her great-grandchildren and the strength and faith that she passed to her children and grandchildren also lives in her great-grandchildren. One of her great-grandchildren is a name-sake of Mother Catherine. However, her spirit lives within all of them.

Catherine Coleman is survived by her son, Roosevelt Coleman (Eleanor) of Little Rock, AR, and her daughter in-law, Grace Coleman of Falls Church, VA; her grandchildren Ellen Scott of Manasas, VA, Debra Coleman of Baltimore, MD, Steve Coleman of Woodbridge, VA, Dellen Jones of Sacramento, CA, Cassandra Coleman of Eldorado, AR, Derrell Coleman (Della) of Dallas, TX, Karen Coleman of Alexandria, VA, Dexter Coleman (Crist) of Grand Prairie, TX, Lisa Coleman of Herndon, VA; her great-grandchildren, Steven Newton of McKinney, TX, Donald Watson of Chicago, IL, Anthony Coleman of Little Elm, TX, Alyssa Coleman of Glenn Heights, TX, Adam Coleman of Dallas, TX, Ashley Coleman of Dallas, TX, Kristophier Tilmon of Grand Prairie, TX, Sidney Jones of Sacramento, CA; and one great-great-grandchild, Anthony Jones of Sacramento, CA . In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a host of loving family members.