YORKTOWN — God, in his almighty powers, sent his angels on a spiritual mission to bring home for eternal rest our beloved Elsie Marie Coleman, 81, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. She was born March 1, 1939, in Lackey, the eleventh of 12 children born to the late Percival and Sarah Fields.
Elsie was educated in the York County public school system. At a young age, she confessed Christ as her personal savior and joined Rising Sun Baptist Church.
As a young woman, she met and married Robert Coleman. She was blessed with two daughters, Cynthia and Debra. She was also blessed with a stepson, Robert Coleman; stepdaughter, Sandra Coleman; and special bonus daughter, Rosemary Chapman, all of whom she loved as her own.
Elsie moved to Wheatland, Pennsylvania, and made her home there as an Eastern Star. She never met a stranger. “Aunt Elsie,” as she was lovingly referred to by most, was the apple of many eyes. Mama and grandma were the titles she really lived for. As the matriarch of the family, she made certain to hold her loved ones close, always prioritizing their needs above her own. As a doting wife, she selflessly took care of her husband for 27 years. In 1994, following the death of her husband and daughter, Debra, Elsie relocated to Richmond, dedicated to restoring her daughter’s only child.
Within months, Cynthia, her children and grandchildren relocated to Virginia, following their beacon of life, “mama and grandma.” There, she worked at Walmart for many years until she decided to move back to Lackey. Again, the entire family followed their angel. Here, she worked for York County as a school bus monitor for disabled children. She adored the kids on her bus until the day she retired. Upon retirement, she finally allowed her family to take care of her until God called her home.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Coleman; daughter, Debra Sims; son-in-law, Willie Sims; eight brothers and two sisters. Her loving and precious memories will always remain in the hearts of her daughter, Cynthia Coleman (Carl Murray); grandchildren, Elsie Coleman, Cassandra Bender (Bobby), LaMonica Greene, Johnny Coleman, James Coleman, Stanley Brown and Chemika Brown; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Matthew Fields (Martha); sisters-in-law, Christine and Mabel Fields; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends.
Mrs. Coleman may be viewed at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Rising Sun Baptist Church Cemetery, Lackey, with the Rev. David O. Spratley officiating. Face coverings and social distancing are required at all services. Facebook livestreaming will be available for this service.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
