Obituary: Mary Joe Perry Coleman
Mary Joe Perry Coleman ~ October 22, 1952 – January 17, 2023 (age 70)
Mrs. Coleman was born October 22, 1952, to the late Lillie C. Perry and Charles Hamilton.
She attended Stegall Elementary School in Humboldt, Tennessee and was a member of the 1970 graduating class of Central High School in Alamo, Tennessee. Ms. Coleman attended and graduated from West Tennessee College in Jackson, Tennessee in 1971.
Mrs. Coleman surrendered her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 18 years old and was a member of Maury City Community COGIC where she began her work of service. She served in different capacities as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, lead vocalist, and soloist. Ms. Coleman was appointed as the church financial secretary under the leadership of the late Bishop Lee Allen Spight.
She was united in holy matrimony to Freedell Coleman, Jr. on July 18, 1986. To their union, there were no children born but she was a “Motherly Auntie” to a lot of her nieces and nephews who stayed near and close to her.
Mrs. Coleman continued her life of service and dedication being appointed as state secretary to the newly organized Tennessee Central Jurisdiction in 1981 under the jurisdictional leadership of the late Bishop W. L. Porter. She continued to serve faithfully in that position under the current leadership of Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop Brandon B. Porter until the Lord called her home on January 17, 2023. Ms. Coleman has 42 years of dedicated service as state secretary.
Professionally, Mrs. Coleman worked in the accounting department for Jackson Madison County Schools for 43 years. Whatever work she did, whatever work she performed, she did it wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord.
Sister Coleman served as the church secretary under the leadership of six pastors (Late Bishop Lee Allen Spight, late Pastor Henry A. Spight, late Pastor L.D. Blalark, late Pastor Ewell Jelks Jr., late Pastor Julius DeBerry, and her present pastor, Pastor Andre Parham) for 50 years of humble, faithful service.
Mrs. Coleman loved her husband, her family, her brothers and sisters, and especially her nieces and nephews. They all LOVE their Aunt Mary and LOVE never dies! She was a person of eloquence, class and grace. Mrs. Coleman was always a lady no matter where you saw here. Her words were according to Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” Mrs. Coleman was a gentle and kind soul. She had a sense of humor. Her singing bought a soothing sense of comfort to all who heard her sing. Mrs. Coleman’s strength and confidence were in her silent nature. Above all else, she Loved God! She taught His Word; she applied His Word, and she Lived His Word! Mrs. Coleman has left an imprint upon the hearts of many who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie C. Perry; her grandmother, Flora Mae Roberson; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Charles; two brother-in-laws, Larry Coleman and Percy Coleman; and a nephew whom she loved dearly, Terrence Perry.
Mrs. Coleman was a faithful wife for 36 years. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her loving husband, Freedell Coleman, Jr.; two stepchildren, Erica and Victor; two sisters, Frances Perry and Bernita Perry, both of Jackson, Tennessee; a special cousin who was more like a sister, Carolyn Coleman, of Memphis; three brothers, Willie Perry of Jackson, Tennessee, Edward Perry of Savannah, Tennessee, and Melvin Perry (Janie) of Maury City, Tennessee; her mother-in-law, Velma Coleman of Jackson, Tennessee; three sister-in-laws, Teresa Robinson (Rob), Geardline Harrison of New York, and Daisy Bugg of Nashville, Tennessee; three brother -in-laws, Sylvester Coleman (Mae) of Atlanta, Georgia, Joe Coleman (Jeanette) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Wayne Coleman (Aretha) of Jackson, Tennessee; and her dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, class of 1970, and loving friends.
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She is clothed with strength and dignity. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ~ Proverbs 31:10, 11, 25, 26
Hardeman County Funeral Services, Inc., Bolivar, Tennessee.
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