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Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of thy Lord. ~ Matthew 25:23

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In the early morning hours of September 22, 2023, God whispered his name. William E. Coleman received the highest honor and made the transition to his permanent Heavenly Home. Sweet Husband, Caring Father and Grandfather, Brother, Friend, William Edward Coleman was born on June 6, 1942 in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Otto Jackson Coleman and Mabel Barksdale Coleman.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Nettie Marie Coleman and a son, Eric William Coleman.  

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William, affectionately called “Pop” by his siblings, friends and other close family, graduated from Mary Bethune High School in 1960.  He later completed Business School at William Penn College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and continued his love for education by completing numerous other certifications, courses and trainings.  Mr. Coleman accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and was a member and Deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church in Alton, Virginia. 

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Mr. Coleman was the former Executive Director of Tri-County Community Action Agency for forty-two years and the founder and administrator for the Halifax County Community Federal Credit Union, two roles and positions that were near and dear to his heart.  William was also the first African American Board of Supervisor in Halifax County, representing District 6 for twelve years.  His community service and commitment to the betterment of Halifax County was evident from his service to many boards, commissions and committees in the County. 

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 William leaves many family members and friends to cherish his memory to include his devoted and faithful wife of 57 years, Margaret Hughes Coleman; children: LaMont E. Coleman of Danville, Virginia and Shernita “Letrice” Bethea (Nick) of Portsmouth, Virginia; grandchildren who affectionately called him “Poppie”, Tempestt, Lamonica and Joy and three great-grandchildren, Karma, Kaydance and Lamont.  Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Edith Hines of Bronx, NY, Emma C. Fields (Timothy) of Great Falls, Virginia, Cecil O. Coleman (Anita) of Alexandria Virginia; two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Woody and Valerie Ferrell (William), both of South Boston, Virginia and one aunt, Evelyn Barksdale of New Rochelle, NY.   A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, including Kristi Stovall, his faithful personal aide until his death are left with living memories as well.

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Funeral services for Mr. William E. Coleman will be Saturday, September 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, Virgilina, Virginia with Pastor Jack Stewart, eulogist.

 

Public viewing for family and friends will be Friday from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation or the Turbeville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

 

Funeral services are provided by Jeffress Funeral Home, 2000 North Main Street, South Boston, VA.