Edna Mae Coleman

Edna Mae Mitchell (Gills) Coleman, 75, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and niece transitioned home to our Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center.

She was born Edna Mae Gills on January 18, 1948, in Forrest City, AR to the union of James Walter Gills Sr. and Girtha Lee (Smith) Gills. She received her formal education in Forrest City and graduated high school there.

In 1968 Edna moved to South Bend, IN with her parents. In coming to South Bend, Edna met and married NC Coleman Jr. Together they raised two strong sons: Leroy Orlando and Carlos Deshawn. Upon divorcing years later, they remained special friends.

Edna worked at Memorial Hospital of South Bend for 27 years as a CNA. Edna accepted Christ into her life. She shared her spiritual life with several congregations. She attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Emmanuel Church of Deliverance, New Life Fellowship Ministry, Believers C.O.G.I.C. and LESEA in South Bend, IN. Edna loved God, she  witnessed to many the need of receiving Christ in their lives. In everyday conversations she  reminded many that we need to be covered with the blood of Jesus. Edna loved spending time with family on special occasions and she was known for her cooking skills (namely that sweet potato pie).

Edna leaves to cherish her memory two sons: Leroy Orlando Mitchell and Carlos Deshawn (Teresa) Coleman Sr. both of South Bend, IN; four brothers: Herbert Lee McClendon, Morris Gills of Tacoma, WA, Lennie Parnell (Mary) Gills, Aaron (Evelyn) Gills of South Bend, IN; three sisters: Darlene Cannady, Velma Jean Gills of Tacoma, WA, and Alice Collette Gills of Portland, OR; 22 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Proceeding her in death are her parents James and Girtha Gills; one brother, James Walter Gills Jr.; one nephew, Syndica Levarr Thomas; along with many aunts and uncles.

“For we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2nd Corinthians 5:8.

She entered into eternal rest with God and we rejoice that she has gone from labor to reward.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edna Mae Coleman, please visit our floral store.