Sammie Lee Coleman was born in Benton, Louisiana on June 22, 1930 to the union of Mary and Aaron Coleman. He was the eighth of nine children. “Sam” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, departed this life on Monday, September 9, 2019, at 89 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.
Raised on the family farm, Sam left for Shreveport, Louisiana in his late teens. There he worked at his sister’s restaurant where he undoubtedly developed cooking skills that would make family gatherings with his future family highly anticipated. Sam boarded a train for Muskegon in June of 1951 at the age of 21, with his brother Charlie and close friend Eddie Steward. They would later be joined by his close cousin Clemon Coleman.
It was in Muskegon that he met his future wife, Myrtis Lynn Butler. Together they would parent four children. Sam loved his family and was a great provider. He was hired by Teledyne Continental Motors in 1951 as a machine operator. In the 80’s and 90’s he served as a union steward. He retired from the company in 1992.
He joined Queen Ester Missionary Baptist church shortly after settling in Muskegon. He faithfully attended Sunday services and served on the usher board until his health no longer permitted.
You would often find him outdoors. He loved going squirrel hunting with his brother Charlie and his cousin Clemon, as well as, gardening and keeping an immaculate yard. In his large garden he grew a variety of vegetables that were used in the amazing meals he enjoyed preparing for his family. Another of his passions was traveling. He visited many beautiful destinations and loved touring Michigan during the fall color change. Along those trips, he and Myrtis would make an occasional stop at a casino. Other favorite pass times included morning coffee with his friends at McDonalds and spending time with his three great grandsons.
Sam always greeted you with a smile and warm conversation. He had a heart of gold.
Sam leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 64 years, Myrtis: children: Sherry L. Burt of Muskegon, Kerry Coleman of Muskegon, Daryl L. Coleman (Gloria) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Kimberly K. Coleman of Grand Rapids, Michigan: grandchildren: Magan Neattie Butler-Coleman of Richmond, Texas, James Lee Coleman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Natalie J-nai Coleman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Sammie Lee Butler-Coleman of Houston, Texas: great grandchildren: Christopher James Coleman and Ian Michael Albert Coleman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Luke Asher Butler-Coleman of Richmond, Texas.
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Alzheimer's Association225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601
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