Deaconess Mary Louise Coleman

Mary Louise Gardner was born June 7, 1923 in Loretta, VA to the late Robert and Virginia Gardner and transitioned in Supply, VA to be the with the Lord on April 13, 2018. She accepted Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Loretta at an early age. She was a graduate of Essex County Training School where she met and soon married Mansfield Coleman. From their union, 5 children were born and Mary became a lifelong member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess, sang joyfully in the Senior Choir and served others in the Senior Missionaries Ministry.
Those who spent time with who we affectionately called “Ma Mary” would enjoy her company as everyone had an open invitation to dinner, where you would laugh and talk about the week’s events. When the evening came to a close, she would always walk everyone to the door and wave goodbye with a smile. Everyone enjoyed Ma Mary’s cooking and she loved spending time with her family and friends. She also liked theatre and was always ready and willing to travel because when the car moved she was in it. You would observe her sitting in the front seat looking in the mirror because her appearance was very important to her. Her favorite song was Precious Lord and we are so thankful that she is no longer “Tired, Weak or Worn.”
Deaconess Coleman’s passing leaves a void in the lives of many who will cherish fond memories, including one son, Robert “Bobby” Coleman; four daughters, Virginia Ann Cameron (Dr. Johnnie Cameron Jr.), Shirley C. Latney (John Latney), Faye C. Smith, and Delphine Davis; her brother, Robert Gardner Jr., 9 grandchildren, Waverly, Rodney, Terrell, Jerry, Marcus, Danita, Jameka, Johnnie III, and Kristin; 23 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a great niece who loved & cared for her intently Dellie Brent and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. We celebrate in the fact that she is now reunited with her husband Deacon Mansfield Coleman and that their loving legacy will continue to live in their family & friends.