Herbert Lee Coleman

A Time for All Seasons

A time to be born…

Herbert was born in Quitman County outside of the town of Lambert Mississippi on December 21, 1946, the thirteenth child of Onis and Esther Coleman. An active, smart and joyous child with a loving sense of humor.

A time to grow…

His early school years were spent at Marks Elementary School and he attended Quitman County Industrial High School as a freshman. Herbert grew up in a family that promoted the love of Christ and were active members in the Church of God In Christ. During his time in Marks, he and his siblings were known to others for being a sanctified family. In 1961, Herbert’s family relocated to Gary, Indiana where he attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. When he became of age, he was soon drafted into the United States Army where he served his country until his time ended. Herbert eventually married and became an active member, serving as a Deacon at Lively Stone Church of God In Christ in Gary, IN where his parents were devoted members until their deaths. He continued his education at Chicago State University where he attained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

Herbert enjoyed carpentry, playing golf and racquetball. He was a bible scholar and student of the Word. He loved teaching Sunday school and explicating the good news to all that would listen. He was a very astute man, dapper in his presentation and modeled excellence in all that he did. As life progressed and seasons changed, Herbert entered into a new journey. After travelling new roads, he moved back to Joliet, Illinois where he met and married the love of his life Maxine and lived until he transitioned into eternity. 

A time to love…

Herbert was a devoted husband to Maxine Sawyer-Coleman, father to Herbert Trevelle Coleman (Sauk Village, IL), Diedre Coleman (Crete, IL), Jason Coleman (San Leandro, CA) and an extended father to Natasha (Bruce) Lawson (Springfield, IL) and Torrance Sawyer (Peoria, IL). His measure of love ran deep and hard. He had compassion and concern for all he met and came in contact with. Herbert wouldn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand or be a pillar of support to all in need. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren richly. He could often be heard playing and joking with everyone. Even when he physically didn’t feel up to it, he showed up for the occasion. A great man of integrity, stature and decency. He loved all his siblings and would reach out to close and distant family members just to say hi and let them know they are loved. He believed in togetherness and peace. 

A time to plant…

Herbert worked in corporate America for many years until retirement. He then pursued his dream in owning and operating his own lawn service. He LOVED manicuring yards. He could talk for extended periods of time about grass (smiles). He would be so captivated about his business, that his son, Trevelle began calling him “Herb Heal-da-grass”. It was just a representation of his dapper nature and stance of excellence.

A time to mourn…

Herbert reunited with his parents Onis and Esther Coleman; parents-in-love Moses and Flora Johnson; four brothers, Onis Jr, William Terry, Aaron and Jhue; five sisters Magalean, Willie Lee, Ethel Lee, Murleane and Ernestine; and one great-grand daughter Ni’Yelah Rose when he traded his earthly fight for his heavenly mansion and entered eternity on July 6, 2020. 

In addition to his wife and children, he leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, one brother Percy (Ruby) Coleman (South Bend, IN); two sisters Doretha  aka Dorothy and Donnie Ruth (California); Grand-children Shadawn Coleman-Epps (Crete, IL), Kayla Coleman, David Washington (both of Champaigne, IL), Rena Beasley (Park Forest, IL), Keyanna (Quinton) Moore (Shrevport, LA), Jason Coleman Jr., Julian Coleman (both of San Leandro, CA), Jayden Lawson, Brooklyn Lawson (both of Springfield, IL); twelve great-grandchildren; two special nieces Julia Renese and Sheila Coleman; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends.

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