Johnnie A. Coleman

Johnnie Albert Coleman, 82, of Fairmount, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Brother Johnnie was born in Augusta, Georgia to the late James and Elizabeth Coleman on July 4, 1934. He was the third oldest of six children.

At an early age, he was converted and baptized at Bethel A.M.E. Methodist Church. He attended Haines School of Augusta and he was a World War II Navy Veteran where he received an honorable discharge.

He later moved to Maryland where he met his wife the late Yvonne N. Tilghman-Coleman and to this union were three children, DeWayne Coleman, Bryant Coleman, and Linda Boynton. As he resided in Maryland he later joined St. Andrews United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member. He served as a member of the Men’s Choir, the Trustee Board and the Finance Committee. Johnnie was employed at the Campbell Soup Company in Salisbury, Maryland until its closing. Later he was employed at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in the Dining Services Department until his health would no longer allow him to continue to work.

He loved spending time with his family, friends and riding his bicycle around the neighborhood. He also loved sitting with his friends in the neighborhood telling stories about how he knew the late James Brown (The Godfather of Soul).

He was preceded in death by his wife, the late Yvonne N. Tilghman-Coleman and three sisters; the late Irene Wherry, Dorothy Merriweather and Rosa Abraham.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his fond memories his three children, Dewayne Coleman, Hebron, Maryland, Bryant Coleman, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Linda Boynton (William), Princess Anne, Maryland; eight grandchildren, Derrick Coleman, Chanita Coleman, Candice Coleman, Halle Coleman, Rachel Coleman, Kendra Coleman, Jordan Coleman, and Dewayne Coleman, II; two sisters, Ruth Cain (Cleveland) Augusta, Ga., and Mattie Harris (Charles), Augusta, GA; one Aunt, Roberta Coleman, New York City; five Brothers-in-law, Andrew Wherry, Leslie Abraham, Harold Tilghman, III, Clarence Tilghman and Rudolph Tilghman; five sisters-in-law, Elsie Gray, Lucille Townsend, Dora Tilghman, Roseanne Tilghman and Adalyn Tilghman. He also leaves to cherish fond memories a devoted nephew, Cornell Gray, Sr.; a very dear friend and brother in Christ whom he called his Godson, Alphonso Collins and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Upper Hill with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6 to 8 PM, Friday at the Church.

Interment will be in the Family Cemetery in Upper Hill.