Reverend Mary Louise Glenn Coleman was born on March 24, 1948 to the late Ada B. Glenn and William W. Blackburn. She departed her life on July 10, 2021 peacefully at her home. Mary Coleman was raised to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ at a young age under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jerry Drayton at New Bethel Baptist Church. She later accepted the calling to be a spokesman for His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Rev. Mary Coleman attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and graduated from Paisley High School in 1966. She then attended Forsyth Technical Institution to pursue a career in nursing. After all her daughters were in school, she secured a job at Wachovia Bank (Wells Fargo Bank) in 1980 and remained employed until 2012. Rev. Coleman was an ordained minister and served under her late husband, and the Rev. Dr. John Mendez. She furthered her religious training by attending Vintage Bible College and many workshops and training sessions. Rev. Coleman was a self-taught seamstress and fashion designer. She enjoyed making special crafting gifts for family and friends. Rev. Mary Coleman joined Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1972 and remained an active member even while Rev. Robert Coleman pastored. She was thrilled to return to Emmanuel Baptist Church after his retirement. She was a devoted Associate Minister, member of the Sunday School Ministry (immediate past superintendent), Missionary Ministry, Wednesday Morning D. Everett Bible Study Group and the Music and Arts Ministry. Rev. Mary Coleman was married for over 55 years to the late Rev. Robert L. and they reared six daughters. Rev. Mary Coleman was preceded in death by her parents and siblings George Glenn, Cora Jarvis and William Glenn. She leaves to cherish her memories six daughters: Lorese Denise Mobley, Sylvia (Kevin) Squire, Cynthia Coleman of Winston-Salem, NC, Sandra Shore of Decatur, GA, Mary Lorraine Coleman of Winston Salem, NC and Jacqueline (Bernard) Felton of Colorado Springs, Co. Grandchildren: Robert, Ceddrick, LaKeisha, Alyssa, Coleman, LeeDreya, Montrell, Kendall, Marcus and Julius and eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memories a sister, Brenda Witherspoon, a brother, Carl Glenn, Sr. and three sisters-in-law, Janice Glenn, Francine Coleman, Virginia Coleman along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Forever memories of fun, laughter and long conversations will be missed by her close friends: Carolyn Allison, Carol Brown, Helen Cooper and Frances Mizzell. Rev. Mary Louise Coleman favorite scripture reads “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 1pm from New Bethel Baptist Church and interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at 12:00 noon at the church. A public viewing will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.