Josie Marie Coleman

Josie Sheppard Coleman was the 8th child born to the late Marion and Josephine Sheppard in Overton, Texas. Of the eight children her oldest brother Marion Sheppard Jr. still lives. Josie married at the age of sixteen to the late Artie Coleman, of which she was blessed with eight children, all of which are alive today. She attended the London Colored School and in Josie words, " I loved Artie more than school".

Her employment included thirteen years at Kilgore Manufacturing, she later worked for Mrs. Gelhem and Mrs. Kilbin as their housekeeper. Josie then was employed by Kilgore College until she retired in 2000.

Josie received her baptism at an early age at the Macedonia Baptist Church (Clover Community) and remained a member there for many years. She later joined the Center Point Church of God in Christ and remained a member there until 1986 when she moved her membership to the Kilgore Baptist Church. She was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society and a former member of the Senior Choir and Circle #3 until her health failed. She was always willing to do what was asked of her and was a great instructor on praying.

When Josie stepped into church on Sunday morning or for any occasion, rest assured that her suit had a matching hat, shoes, and bag. She was a true born lady of distinction.

Josies hobbies were cooking and sewing and her favorite meal was fish and her favorite dessert was banana pudding.

Josie was loved by all and she was an asset to our church family. She stated that, When I am in service and the spirit hits, I am not ashamed that it be done. She further stated that, God has been good to me and nobody can tell it like I can of how good God has been and all He has done and is still doing for me.

She passed away March 9, 2016 in Tyler, Texas and is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings.

She is survived by two sons: Artie Coleman Jr. (Linda) of Longview, Eddie Coleman (Rhonda) of Dallas,six daughters: Alice Coleman of Kilgore, Bertha Allison (Ladell) of Longview, Nancy Coleman of Kilgore, Tammy Cardone (Barry) of New York, Nadine Coleman of Longview, Monica Jackson of Kilgore, one brother: Marion Sheppard of Dallas, one aunt: Luberta Franklin of Fort Worth,16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.