Lillie Coleman

Lillie Mae “Billie” Coleman, age 88, died peacefully in her Gulfport home on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lou Burt and Oscar Roach; and her daughter, Joan King. Joanie always told her family growing up that Momma sacrificed for her children and that she always tried to be the same way.

Survivors include her daughter, Hellen Coleman Merida of Gulfport; her grandchildren, James McKay (Geneva), Danielle Siddens (Tim), Desiree Nichole Myrick (Joshua), Jimmy King (Kimmy); her great grandchildren, James McKay, Jr., Katlyn Taylor, Cole Siddens, Madison Siddens, Brandon Myrick, and Honor King; her great-great grandson, Karson Taylor (who she referred to as her “baby”); and her beloved pet, Princess Bay Bay Merida.

Billie was born in Meridian, raised as a sharecropper’s daughter picking cotton. She moved to Gulfport at the age of 18 where she married the late Calvin Coleman, Sr. and raised four children. Her children meant everything to her and each one knew they held a special place of their own in her big heart. She loved and treated everyone as her own family, with advice or “butt whopping”, whichever was needed. She had a big heart and made sure to give everyone a piece of it.

Billie was an avid poll worker for the Gulfport Election Commission for over 50 years, including presidential elections.

She was a classy lady, extremely proud, independent, and unapologetic about much. She was giving, loved gatherings, and everyone was invited. You never knew who would be sitting at the dinner table! Christmas was a special time because she loved to decorate her home. She was also a business woman and had fun doing it as the owner and operator of a local restaurant. She loved meeting new people, conversations, and was a friend to everyone.

Billie was a loyal member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport and her Sunday school class “The Blessing Seekers”. She was also a member of the Salvation Army “The Women’s League”.

Out of respect for the current pandemic mandates, there will be a private service on Monday, August 10, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Gulfport. Friends may attend the graveside service by remaining in their vehicle at 2:30pm at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. A livestream of the service will be made available on the obituary page of www.riemannfamily.com

My Maw Maw BB had ears that truly listened, arms that always held, love that was never ending, and a heart that was made of gold….Karsen James Taylor

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.