House Resolution 60

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. LULA MAE COLEMAN.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on February 5, 2023, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Lula Mae Coleman, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, loving mother and grandmother and dedicated community leader with the passing of Mrs. Coleman, who was born on May 7, 1933, in Heidelberg, Mississippi, to Betty Sue McMillan and John Caleb Lindsey, who unfortunately passed away when she was really young, and after her passing, her grandparents, Lula and George McMillan took on the responsibility for caring for her and her brother; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mae Coleman was a woman of uncompromised faith and a member of Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church when she was younger and then joined Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church after her marriage, and once she and her husband bought a home in Queensburg, she joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where she led the Pastor's Aid Club, served as a Deaconess and in Missionary Ministry, and sang in the choir for over 60 years, and she now enjoys the eternal peace described in Luke 2:29, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Coleman attended Friendship High School in the Hoy community, where she excelled in academics and basketball, and seeking to abide by the command in Proverbs 31:31, "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate," she was employed with Nucare Convalescence Center (Laurelwood) as a certified dietary manager after she received her certification from Auburn State University; and

WHEREAS, through her role as a dietary manager, she attended many state conferences, where she was often recognized for her outstanding performance in her facility, and was called by other health care facilities for consultation, and after over 40 years of employment, she retired at the age of 71 but continued to serve throughout her community, specifically as a poll manager for many years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Coleman exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with her beloved, the late James Coleman, Jr., on February 25, 1951, and the blissful union produced six beautiful children, Denise, Tommie, Greg, Sandra, who passed in infancy, Beverly and Bobbie Bernard, and remained devoted and loving to one another until Mr. Coleman's passing after 44 years of marriage together; and

WHEREAS, a social butterfly who was a member of the Eastern Star and the Grandparent's Club, Mrs. Coleman also regularly participated in water aerobics and toured historic sites throughout the United States, including Hawaii, as well as those in more distant places like the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, Lula Mae Coleman was a strong, loving and compassionate mother, grandmother, confidante and friend who touched the lives of all those who crossed her sweet and charming path, and her warm hugs, positive energy, contagious laughter and bright smile will be forever cherished by her family, friends and others who knew her and experienced her greatness; and

WHEREAS, as provided in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." Mrs. Coleman possessed a gentle spirit and was keen on ensuring that her children received a firm foundation in Jesus Christ with devout church attendance and participation; and

WHEREAS, the memory of Mrs. Coleman, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her beloved survivors: children, Denise Huff (George), Tommie Coleman (Karla), Gregory Coleman (Diane), Beverly Thomas, Bobby Bernard Coleman (Tracee) and Nadia Thomas (adopted); grandchildren, Petrina Huff, Menza Huff, Versanti Kemp, Robin Lavelle Moore (Mary), Tommie Coleman Jr., Kia Coleman-Bing (Troy), Myah Coleman (Quinton), Damon Clark (Rachel), Lindsey Pou (Aaron), Greg Sampson, Nadia Thomas, Sandra Harris (Church), Keisha Chapman, Steven Holden (deceased), Bernondre Laster (Olivia), Ashana Coleman, Shaquille Coleman-Esthers (Fernando), Ebonee Coleman and Free Jamaica Coleman; 42 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mattie Lee Dickinson and Zera B. Coleman; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find comfort from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member in the following hymn: "When the darkness appears and the night draws near, And the day is past and gone,

At the river I stand, Guide my feet, hold my hand, Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home, Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm alone, Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light, Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Lula Mae Coleman, a gracious woman who loved her family and friends unconditionally and worshipped the Lord God Almighty with all of her heart and soul, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Lula Mae Coleman, and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Lula Mae Coleman and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.