Mother Isabella Coleman, affectionally known as “Mama” and “Mama Coleman,” was born October 25, 1943, in Ripley, Tennessee, to the late Tommy and Novella Manns. To this union four children were born, with Isabella being number three. She attended school in Ripley and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a young age.

In 1958, she met Lewis Barbee and soon after moved to Elyria, Ohio. They were married in 1963, and to this union four children were born, Varis, John, Kevelin, and Michelle. Isabella was a devoted servant of the Lord, and loved and cared for her children with a nurturing and affectionate spirit.

In 1992, Isabella married James Coleman, Sr. and the two blended families became one. Isabella was employed by NASA and retired in 2003 for health reasons. After marrying James, the two united with Second St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor W.E. Stanley. A wonderful and kind woman, Isabella found peace in trusting God and leading others to Christ through her words and motherly advice.

Isabella enjoyed basketball (never missed watching a Cavs game), football (an avid die-hard Browns fan) and spending quality time with her family. She loved when people came over to sit and visit with her, share laughs and crack jokes. Her favorite motto was, “If you gonna pray about it, then don’t worry about it,” and “everything is gonna be alright.”

In 2021, Isabella heard the spirit of the Lord and united with Liberty Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael L. Brown, who she affectionately called her son. Not soon after joining, Pastor Brown appointed her to the position of “Church Mother,” re-establishing the Liberty Hill Mother’s Board with six other phenomenal women.

A quiet, soft spoken, but firm voice, when she decided to say something, everyone stood still to listen. Her advice, character and wisdom exemplified the ideals of the Proverbs woman as stated in Proverbs 31:10-31.

On Saturday morning, February 25, 2023, “Mama Coleman” once again heard the voice of the Lord and went home to be with him. Preceding her in death were her parents, Tommy, and Novella Manns; husband, James Coleman, Sr.; son, John Barbee; sisters, Cassella Manns and Elaine Manns; and brother, Billie Manns.

She leaves to cherish fond memories of her forever, her children: Varis (Thomas) Frizzell, Kevelin (Barbara) Barbee of Elyria, OH, Michelle (Henry) Blackmon, James, Jr. (Nita) Coleman, Donald (Sybil) Coleman of Atlanta, GA, Oddie Jenkins of Hattiesburg, MS, Anita Hamzah, and Michael Stanton of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Rayshon Booker, Sr., Jhanell (Brandon) Johnson, Cierra Barbee of Elyria, OH, Senthia Frizzell, Andre Frizzell, Jamal Frizzell, Sierra Blackmon, Kyerra Blackmon; Great-Grandchildren: Rayona Booker, Rayshon Booker, Jr., Sharae Booker, Tayshon Booker, Branden Crum, and Donovan Davis; aunts, Birddean Garner and Katie Jean Taylor both of Flint, MI; brother-in-law, William (Martha) Coleman of Milwaukee, WI; special nieces: Theresa Hamlet, Cara Manns, and Rose Huddleston, and Shawanna Manns all of Flint, MI, Annette Rogers of Indianapolis, IN and Virginia Manns of Dallas, TX; special nephews: James Manns and Billie Manns of Redding, CA, and Bennie Manns of Flint, MI; and a host of other family members, friends and people who loved her beautiful spirit.

Humbly Submitted

The Family