“Celebration of Life”
For Mother Ernestine L. Marshall Coleman

Ernestine Lucinda Marshall Coleman was born to Deacon William Ernest “Dud” Marshall and Mother Inez Cooper on a large farm in the red clay hills of Solgohachia, Arkansas.

Her education had began at an early age in Solgohachia and AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She later received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Washburn University in Topeka, KS.

She was married to Forest Coleman in 1947 who at the time had twin daughters. To this union four precious children were born: Larry Coleman Sr., Janice, Craig and Forestine. Her husband passed away on April 17, 1993.

At an early age, she committed herself to Christ and was a faithful member at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Topeka, KS. She was a faithful worker in Kaw Valley District and her community. She was inducted into the PJB State Missionary Hall of Fame in Kansas City, KS, October 2008. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She held a lifelong membership in the NAACP. She graduated from the Menninger Bible Class in 1959. She was a Past Worthy Matron of Bethany #7, O.E.S. She retired as a Special Needs Education Teacher from 501 school district in Topeka.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her husband Forest Coleman, father Deacon William Ernest "Dud" Marshall, mother Inez Cooper, sons Larry Coleman Sr, Craig Coleman, twin daughters, Arlene Crump and Darlene Crump.

Survivors include daughters, Janice M. Coleman (Los Angeles, CA), Forestine Pena (Topeka, KS); grandsons, Larry Coleman Jr. ( Sebring, FL), Kevin Smith (Topeka, KS); granddaughters, Vicki Crump, Diane Crump both of (Newton, KS); goddaughters, Dionne Banks, Yvette Woods,( Atlanta, GA), Niah Sayles (Kansas City, MO); seven great-grandchildren, five nieces, two nephews, family friends Merle and Paulette Keeling, and Mary Kelly along with a host of other family and friends.