The late Mrs. Bessie Mae ( Pitts) Coleman was born March 27, 1933 in Raemer, Alabama just outside of Montgomery to the late Beatrice and Norman Pitts.  She was the oldest of ten siblings—James (Edith), Norma Jean (deceased), Wadell (Bertha), Isabell, Elizabeth (deceased), Robert, John (Brenda), Doris (Larry ) and Saundra.  She attended Birmingham public schools, including A.H. Parker High.  Bessie began work at an early age and she confessed to Christ at an early age.  She joined St. Andrew Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend D.P. Pugh.

Bessie married the love of her life, Clarence Coleman, on July 7, 1952 and maintained this union until his passing 35 years later.  In this holy matrimony, two children were born—son Alvin L. Coleman (Jannie) and  daughter Gwendolyn Coleman (who preceded her in death).  She was also the proud grandmother of two grandsons Damone (who preceded her in death) and Clarence two granddaughters Chavon and Ryan she also has six  great-grandchildren Ta'zhane, Tauzire, Airamir, Amiyah, Adira, and Zendaya.

Mom was a soft-spoken, gentle woman who was very generous and a great listener, she was not a judge of others.

She leaves to mourn a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.