Deaconess Carolyn Yvonne Coleman

On February 17, 2025, our lovely queen and matriarch, Carolyn Yvonne Wilson
Coleman, was called home by the Creator. As heavy as our hearts are, we know she is resting
in the arms of the Father.

Carolyn was born on July 18, 1951, to Rheta Daniels Wilson Whitehurst and William
Rudolphus Wilson. Soon after, Cynthia and Sylvia were born. They called themselves the
“Wilson Girls.” Carolyn was so proud to be a big sister and lovingly took on the role of protector
and advice giver. Afterward, Valerie, Tracy, Andre, and Ben Jr. were born. Each one held a
special place in her heart and she made sure they knew it. From weekly to daily calls, to
one-of-a-kind adventures, and even a hand in raising the youngest of the bunch, they knew she
loved them.
Carolyn was a proud graduate of Carver High School, class of 1969, the last graduating
class before the high school transitioned to an intermediate school. While at Carver, Carolyn
was in the band and enjoyed her time as a “Marching Pirate" with Dorothy and Gwen, her
childhood friends. Add in Connie and they were complete! She was a fierce “South Norfolk girl”
and loved her community. It seemed like everyone knew Ms. Gilbertine, Carolyn’s grandmother,
who raised her with sternness, yet gentleness. These two had a very special bond. Carolyn
loved her grandmother so very much and her grandmother loved her. She would take her
shopping weekly, press out her hair, and dress her up like a dollbaby. Ms. Gilbertine taught
Carolyn how to sew, knit, crochet, and play the piano. Some may even say she was spoiled
rotten by Ms. Gilbertine, but these two together were something to see! So kind and attentive,
this formed the foundation of how Carolyn reared her children.
Family was always important to Carolyn. She spent a lot of time with her aunt Fredia as
“Momma Tine,” Carolyn’s grandmother, would send her on dates with her aunt, riding in the
backseat of the car to spy, of course. Her cousin Gail lived next door, and Verdonda was not too
far away, and they were the best of friends. Summers were always filled with love, joy, and
laughter when all of the Wilson cousins from Chesapeake and New York got together. At the
end of the summer, she would tell them she loved them and to be good until she saw them
again.

Carolyn got married and had Christina and Cynthia. Life happened and she found
herself a single mother. She was always taught to walk with her head held high. She was so
loving and devoted to her children. She was the best mother ever. It was always “Carolyn and
her girls.” Everyone always talked about how pretty she fixed them up and how they followed
her everywhere she went. If you didn’t know, the two oldest girls were glued to her hip, even up
until last week when God called her home to rest. Carolyn eventually went back to college and
finished her degree at THEE Norfolk State University. She was a proud Spartan and loved ALL
things Norfolk State. She was a member of the Chesapeake Chapter of the Norfolk State
University National Alumni Association and a football season ticket holder. She made sure she
was there every week to see the Spartan “Legion” Band enter the stadium to hear the infamous
call to battle. Her favorite song was “BEHOLD!”
Carolyn met Alvin and from that a very special and unique love story was born. Chrissy
was sick and Alvin was her homebound teacher. While tutoring Chrissy, Alvin developed a
friendship with Carolyn. Upon her return to school, Alvin decided to pursue a relationship with

Carolyn. As much as Carolyn resisted, she was encouraged by her sister Cynthia, and Alvin
was respectful and a complete gentleman. She finally took a leap of faith and never looked
back! They were married on May 13, 1995, and had their share of adventures including their
many road trips as they loved to travel. Alvin often referred to her as his “road dog.” This year
marks their 30th wedding anniversary! From this blessed union, Tanisha, Tiara, and Ciara came
along. Fun fact, they were adopted into the family, but we bet you couldn’t tell. Now, Carolyn had
more little girls that were glued to her hip. She was chosen to be their mother and she felt so
blessed to have them. The family circle was now complete. She was so proud that all 5 of her
daughters are HBCU grads and loved when they would get together with their different school
shirts on. Carolyn came to love Saint Augustine’s University, her husband’s college. The
Hampton Roads alumni chapter members loved Carolyn, and she would often hold alumni
functions in their home. She supported Alvin in everything he did, and even joined his local
alumni chapter.

Family was an important part of Carolyn’s life. She loved her family so very much and it
showed in her actions. She always wanted the entire family to stay connected. There would
often be family game nights, birthday celebrations, and dinner outings. She was instrumental in
having Alvin’s family come together each year to celebrate Thanksgiving. Since 1997, the only
years missed fellowshipping together was due to the COVID pandemic. Her godmother, Mable
Pugh, loved and adored her and the feeling was mutual. They talked every day and shared so
many secrets. Her nieces and nephews meant so much to her. She was proud of each one of
them. It's so many to name, but they all had a special place in her heart. Her relationship with
her sons-in-law was so unique, that they looked at her as a second mom, and even called her
"Ma." She would text them and let them know how much they meant to her. Her sisters and
brothers-in-law were more like siblings than in-laws. She loved them so much and was even
included on the sibling group text thread.

Most of all, her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Mariah, Xavier, Reygan, Rhyan,
Arie, Justin, and Aiden were her pride and joy! She loved to tell people about each one, not only
their accomplishments but their struggles. She would often say “Pray for my grandbabies, they
are going through right now.” She didn’t brag about them, she just wanted to share what they
were experiencing in life. She undoubtedly taught them to “Put God first, to treat your parents
with respect, and to make something of your life.” She also felt blessed to be a great
grandmother to the creative and talented Journey and our genius baby Kyro, who tells everyone
that MaMa is his favorite person. She poured into them so much and they knew MaMa loved
them with every ounce of her being.

If you have ever met Carolyn you know of her passion for education and Jesus Christ.
She retired after 34 years in Chesapeake Public Schools and was selected as the 2011 Teacher
of the Year for Rena B. Wright Primary School. She was awarded CHROME sponsor of the
year, a club dedicated to providing science and math learning opportunities for minorities and
was the very first elementary sponsor to be awarded sponsor of the year! She also served on
the board of the CHROME club. Carolyn loved her students and they loved her. Throughout her
life, she would bring kids home; some that needed an extra bit of love, and some that she just
had a connection with. Many former students are here today that she mothered, nurtured,
parented, loved, and supported. She was destined to be a teacher because God knew she
would be one of the best to ever be called to the profession. Even up until the unexpected time

of her passing, she was working at Blessed Christian Home School in Portsmouth, VA. The
students and staff showed "Momma Coleman" the utmost respect and love. She considered
each person at that school her child, from the youngest to the oldest. Carolyn was a true
disciple of God, and often spoke about her faith, and encouraged others to have a relationship
with Christ, often bringing kids to church so they could feel what she felt when in the house of
the Lord. She started off playing the piano for Sunday School at St. James AME Church. Over
the years at Mount Zion Baptist Church she was a member of the Moses Reid Usher Board, the
Voices of Mount Zion Choir, Youth Missionary Coordinator, Sunday School teacher, Principal of
Vacation Bible School for many years, and Chairwoman of the Deaconess Board. She loved
serving her church in all these roles and never once complained. She truly left her mark on
MZBC!

She leaves such a strong legacy for those who knew and loved her to follow. She was
beautiful inside and out. She was a jewel, a national treasure, and an inspiration to every one
who crossed paths with her. Cards of condolences are pouring in all over the country from those
she had a positive influence on. Some messages have stated, “Her light blazed through her, she
was a woman of class and high quality, she made us feel so welcome in her home from the
minute we stepped inside.” We could go on and on. If she ever poured into you, remember the
words of wisdom she imparted. Don’t let those words go to waste. Honor her and take her with you every day. We all owe it to her!

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