Mrs. Mary Bedo Coleman

Mary Bedo Coleman was born on May 18, 1930, in Hoffman Station, Maryland County, Liberia. She was the eldest of nine children born to Emmanuel and Susannah Wesley who were farmers. She attended Cape Palmas Elementary School in Maryland County, Liberia. In 1937 at the tender age of seven years old, she went to live with a family friend, Catherine B. Cummings, also of Harper, Maryland County. Catherine would become a second mother to her. When Mary was 19, they moved to Monrovia where she would become self-sufficient; it was there she met and married the love of her life, William Varney Coleman on August 15, 1959. Mary attended a Baking and Sewing School in Sinkor, Liberia and this led her to becoming one of the best bakers and seamstresses in her community. On any given day there was always the smell of fresh cornbread, shortbread, or ricebread emanating from her home. Her back porch was always packed with neighborhood children eating bread or having a meal. Her baking skills were unmatched and many still speak of her baked goods today. She also started a small baking business that allowed her children to have transportation and lunch money for school. Her husband predeceased her, but their union was blessed with many children. In 1989, Mary selflessly dropped her life in Liberia to matriculate to the United States to be with her daughters and assist with raising her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She dedicated the rest of life to nurturing them and ensuring their success. Today, the Grandchildren are adults and making a positive impact in the communities they find themselves in. Her passion for taking care of others will forever live in our hearts. What a Legacy! Mary was a staunch believer in God and accepted Christ at a young age. While in the US, she joined Allgood United Methodist Church on May 19th, 1996, and remained a faithful member until her passing. When she became too ill to attend church in person, Mary spent most of her day listening to hymns and sermons via TBN. Her legacy will forever be treasured as we remember her humble and kind spirit. She was predeceased by her husband, the late William Varney Coleman. Her son William V. Coleman Jr. and Jefferson Coleman. Her parents Emmanuel and Susannah Wesley, and her siblings: Abraham, John, Henry, Viola, Emmanuel, Angeline. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Varney (Rose), Amelia Dowah, Catherine, Susanna, Samford (Joann), Cecil (Peggy), Olive, Adolphus, and Big Varney. Her beloved Sisters and Brother: (Louisa Wesley -Addy, Anna Wesley, and Sam Wesley). Her Grandchildren, Wiatta (Ken), Maya, Marie (Abiodum), Emanuel, Mark Emmanuel, Emelia, Cecil (Serena), Stacy (Deidra), Sam, Einsteina (Larry), Gloria (Sam), and Sheena. Several great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and family members in the United States and Liberia. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Bedo Coleman

May 18, 1930 - September 1, 2023