Beatrice A. Coleman

Beatrice Alberta Byers Coleman

was born on April 29, 1929, to O'Neal and Mary (Hall) Byers in Hopkinsville, KY. Shortly thereafter, she and her family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Bea, as everyone called her, was educated at Indianapolis Public School # 87 for grades 1 through 8. She then attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1946. She continued her higher education at Lewis Business College in Detroit, MI. She also attended West Virginia State University where she was a voice major.

Bea pursued her love for singing and in her earlier years won many talent contests including "The Artist of Tomorrow" held in downtown Indianapolis. She had a beautiful lyric soprano voice and in the competition sang selections in five different languages.

Bea enlisted in the Women's Army Corps and served her country from 1954 to 1956.

As young women, Bea left Indianapolis to live in Los Angeles, California for 22 years. After much prayer by her family, God brought her back to Indianapolis. She then experienced her greatest blessings and accomplishments in life. Under the pastorate of Bishop Morris E. Golder, she was baptized in Jesus' name by her only sibling, Elder Norris O. Byers II and also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Bea enjoyed singing in Grace Church Sanctuary Choir and going to Sunday School until she became ill.

Some years later Bea was joined in holy matrimony to Bro. Frank Coleman and immediately became "Mama Bea" to 15 loving children.

Bea's enjoyment of singing throughout her life was preparation for the heavenly choir that she joined January 19, 2012 at 12:52 p.m. She was preceded in death by her parents, O'Neal and Mary A. ( Hall ) Byers. She is survived by her husband Frank Coleman; 15 step-children; 1 brother, Norris (Diane) Byers II; and a host of grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 25, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Legacy Cremation and Funeral Center , 1604 W. Morris St. Funeral Services will be held Fri 10:00 a.m. at Grace Apostolic Church, 649 E. 22nd St., with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services.