Carrie Coleman

Carrie Mae Coleman born Carrie Mae Deering on August 15, 1950 to Willie E. Gibson and Lillie C. Deering, departed this life on March 1, 2019.  Born and raised in Pickens, Mississippi, Carrie was raised by her late grandparents Reverend Amos and Evelyne Deering.  Carrie spoke fondly of her grandfather who influenced her love for the Word of God and contributed to her legacy as a singer.  She came from a family of singers as her grandfather, mother, uncle, and her sisters were well noted singers. Carrie received Christ at an early age as a member of the Holy City Baptist Church, where the discovery of her exceptional vocal ability was made.  She sang throughout her hometown area which led to a full scholarship to Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, majoring in Music and minoring in Education. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

On August 1, 1970 Carrie Mae Deering wed Lee Willie Coleman and the couple transitioned from Lexington, Mississippi to Joliet, Illinois. It is during this time Carrie began to show her love for servitude in education and beyond throughout the Joliet and surrounding communities.  She continued her education at Governors State University where she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and at National Lewis University obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction. She was also a licensed Grant Writer. Carrie obtained employment in the many educational institutions throughout Joliet.  She held positions at Joliet Job Corps Center, Joliet Junior College, Washington Junior High, Fairmont Junior High, and also served as a personal tutor for many local students. Upon making their new home in Joliet, Lee and Carrie joined Mount Zion Baptist Church. Carrie sang in the Mt. Zion Voices of Zion and taught Sunday School for over 20 years.  Her love for Christ expanded beyond the walls of the church and is evidenced in the numerous personal gifts she received over the years with notes expressing people’s love for her.  Carrie’s continuous and growing love for God led her to the call of becoming an ordained Minister.  She was ordained by Pastor Isaac Singleton, Sr. in 2008 and preached wherever she could!

Carrie was the proud, loving and caring mother of three children, Nicholas T. Coleman Sr. (Tiana), Nicol Y. Coleman and Natalie A. Coleman.  She was the God-mother to Darren Ulmer, the late Dr. Timmothy Bailey, Kyle Pierce, and Syretta Edwards.  Carrie also dotted on her grandchildren, Jaylin Coleman, Nicholas Coleman Jr., Malik Coleman, Jurnee Coleman, and Tamia Coleman.  Along with her husband of 48 years, children and grandchildren, Carrie leaves to cherish her memories, her siblings, Lonnie B. Spurlock, Nathaniel Spurlock, George Spurlock, Faye L. Spurlock, Francis Spurlock Andrews, as well as brother-in-law Eric J. Coleman (Delois), sisters-in-law, Earnestine Coleman Mayo, Bertha R. Hudson (Michael), Elois Goss (Keith), Madeline C. Coleman and a host of family and friends who loved her dearly.  She is preceded in death by her father, Willie E. Gibson, mother Lillie C. Deering, brother, Richard Spurlock, and brothers-in law, Floyd L. Coleman and Jessie E. Coleman.

Carrie’s love and joy for people will be missed as she was a stranger to no one. Her dedication to doing the work in the vineyard will leave large footprints to fill. Her bookmark in her Bible is Isaiah 40:31.  “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. She has waited on the Lord and her strength will be renewed in heaven.  

In Lieu of flowers please send warm clothing items to Salem Village Nursing and Rehab, care of Activities Director, 1314 Rowell Ave., Joliet, IL 60433.

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