Mary Joe Perry was born October 22, 1952, to the late Lillie C. Perry and Charles Hamilton.

Mary Joe attended Stegall Elementary School in Humboldt, TN and was a member of the 1970 graduating class of Central High School in Alamo, TN. She attended and graduated from West Tennessee College in Jackson, TN in 1971.

Mary surrenders her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 18 years old and was a member of Maury City Community COGIC where she began her work of service. She served in different capacities as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, lead vocalist and soloist. She was appointed as the church financial secretary under the leadership of the late Bishop Lee Allen Spight.

Mary Joe was united in holy matrimony to Freedell Coleman, Jr. on July 18, 1986. To their union there were no children born but she was a “Motherly Auntie” to a lot of her nieces and nephews that stayed near and close to her.

Sis. Mary Coleman continued her life of service and dedication being appointed as State Secretary to the newly organized Tennessee Central Jurisdiction in 1981 under the Jurisdictional leadership of the late Bishop W. L. Porter. She continued to serve faithfully in that position under the current leadership of Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop Brandon B. Porter until the Lord called her home on January 17. Forty-two years of dedicated service as State Secretary.

Professionally, Mary Joe worked in the Accounting Department for Jackson Madison County Schools for 43 years. Whatever work she did, whatever work she performed she did it wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord.

Sis. Coleman served as the Church Secretary under the leadership of 6 pastors (Late Bishop Lee Allen Spight, late Pastor Henry A. Spight, late Pastor L.D. Blalark, late Pastor Ewell Jelks Jr., late Pastor Julius DeBerry and her present pastor, Pastor Andre Parham) for 50 years of humble, faithful service.

Mary Joe loved her husband, her family, her brothers and sisters and especially her nieces and nephews. They all LOVE their Aunt Mary and LOVE never dies! Mary was a person of eloquence, class and grace. She was always a lady no matter where you saw here. Her words were according to Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…" She was a gentle and kind soul. She had a sense of humor. Her singing bought a soothing sense of comfort to all who heard her sing. Her strength and confidence were in her silent nature. Above all else, she Loved God! She taught His Word; she applied His Word and she Lived His Word! She has left an imprint upon the hearts of many who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her mother (Lillie C. Perry); her grandmother (Flora Mae Roberson); her sister-in-law (Evelyn Charles); 2 brother-in-laws (Larry Coleman and Percy Coleman); and a nephew whom she loved dearly (Terrence Perry).
Mary Joe Coleman was a faithful wife for 36 years. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her loving husband, Freedell Coleman, Jr.; Two Stepchildren (Erica and Victor); 2 sisters Frances Perry and Bernita Perry (both of Jackson, TN); A special cousin who was more like a sister (Carolyn Coleman) (Memphis); 3 brothers Willie Perry (Jackson, TN); Edward Perry (Savannah, TN); Melvin Perry (Janie) (Maury City, TN); her mother n law Velma Coleman (Jackson, TN); 3 sister n laws Teresa Robinson (Rob) Geardline Harrison (New York); Daisy Bugg (Nashville, TN); 3 brother n laws Sylvester Coleman (Mae) (Atlanta, GA); Joe Coleman (Jeanette) (Jackson, TN); Wayne Coleman (Aretha) (Jackson, TN) and her dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, class of 1970 and loving friends.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and
lacks nothing of value She is clothed with strength and dignity. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:10, 11, 25, 26