MATTIE MAE COLEMAN

Mattie Mae Coleman
March 23, 1949 –
May 28, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mattie Mae Coleman on May 28, 2025. She was born on March 23, 1949, in Attala County, Mississippi as one of seven children. Her parents Woodrow Wilson Coleman Sr. and Odessa T. Coleman provided a warm and loving home. She was trained at an early age to work hard, help others, and strive for excellence. Her theme in life had always been, “If I can help somebody; then my living shall not be in vain.” Her philosophy was, “Love ye one another.”
Ms. Coleman’s religious journey began in Kynette United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, MS. She later joined Walden Chapel United Methodist Church in Goodman, Mississippi, and served in many capacities for over fifty years. At her passing, she held the Rural Ministry Title and served on the Parrish Relations Committee, Communion Stewart Outreach Team, and as the Chair for the Community Developer Committee.
She was the product of the Brookhaven Public School District in Brookhaven, MS. While attending school, she was a marching band member and participated in numerous school organizations.
After high school, Ms. Coleman went on to further her post-secondary education in 1967 becoming the first African American to attend and graduate from Copiah-Lincoln Junior College receiving an Associate of Arts degree in 1969. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1972, an Associate of Science degree from Wood College in 1985, and a Master of Science degree from Jackson State University in 1980. She furthered her studies at Delta State University and Mississippi State University. She also obtained through hard work and dedication, National Board Certifications in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Physical Education Science, and Life Science.
Ms. Coleman began teaching in 1972 with the Durant Municipal Separate School District. She served as a Mississippi Public School Educator and College Professor for over 40 years and held her teaching certification until her death. She was twice awarded the honor of STAR teacher and was once named Educator of the Year. She coached Junior High Boys Basketball for 4 years and peewee and Junior High Football for over 32 years in Holmes County. She was awarded Coach of the Year in 1999 and many other accolades throughout her tenure. She described her career as “developmental, moving, and exciting.”
Ms. Coleman owned the Hearts & Flowers Shop in Durant, MS for over 25 years. The business was named Holmes County Durant’s, Business of the Year in 2005 and 2007. She was also a Community Activist and remained active on the boards of various business and civic organizations. She was a member of the Freedom Democratic Party and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Her work garnered several service awards.
Ms. Coleman was a member of many masonic bodies and served faithfully until she passed as the State Mother Mary of the John L. Webb Grand Palace of Children, PHA, Mississippi, Secretary of Goodman Court #91, Heroines of Jericho, PHA, MS, Worthy Matron of Woodrow Wilson Coleman, Sr. Chapter #691, Order Eastern Star-Worthy Matron, PHA, MS, Royal Grand Commandress of the Magnolia Royal Grand Court, Order of Cyrene, mentor to the Maurice F. Lucas, Sr. Grand Chapter Star Lights Youth Fraternity and member of the Order of the Golden Circle, H.M. Thompson #117, PHA, MS.
Her parents, brother Walter, and sister Ann, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Maggie, brother, Woodrow (Leanna), sister Degina (Walter), sister Delois (Curtis), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves to cherish her memory numerous students she mentored and countless friends.
In place of flowers, please send all donations in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation.