Mary E Coleman

Mary E. Coleman, 84, of Shuqualak, MS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 with her family by her side. A graveside (drive-in) service was held at Butler Pentecostal Church in Shuqualak, MS on Saturday, December 19, 2020 with Bro Gerald Butler and Bro Ronnie Cartwright officiating. Interment was held in Butler Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Butler Cemetery Fund, 991 Johnny Higginbotham Rd, Shuqualak, MS  39361.  Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Higginbotham Coleman was born on May 19, 1936 to the late Earl and Annie Mae Higginbotham in Noxubee County, Mississippi. She graduated from Shuqualak High School in 1955. Mary married David Coleman on May 21, 1954 and she worked thirty years at Shuqualak Manufacturing, all the while being a home maker and mother. Mary was a dedicated member of Butler Pentecostal Church for her entire life, where she served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Mary enjoyed gardening, deer hunting, quilting, and reading. She loved raising produce and going to the local farmer’s market. She believed that you had to take care of the pastor and local ministers and she always made sure they were stocked with her home-grown goods. Mary was an avid hunter until her health prohibited it, but then encouraged the younger generation to be involved.

Being with her family was the highlight of her life. Mary loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with everything within her. She looked forward to weekly visits from her niece, Virginia. Her generosity was apparent and she would go out of her way to help anyone in need. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of forty-eight years, David Coleman, son: Tim Coleman, grandson, Tim Coleman, Jr. and great granddaughter, MaKayla Runnels.

Mary is survived by her children: Joe Coleman of Shuqualak, MS, Earl (Karen) Coleman of Florence, MS, Danny Ray (Janie) Coleman of Shuqualak, MS, Ann Coleman of Shuqualak, MS and Kay James of Shuqualak, MS; two brothers: Earnest (Rochelle) Higginbotham of White Bluff, TN, and Alton (Bell) Higginbotham of Columbus, MS; nine grandchildren and twelve great- grandchildren.