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Deborah Coleman Obituary
Chesapeake - Deborah Francine Coleman, aged 61, international musician, died unexpectedly, April 12, 2018, at DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Virginia, from pneumonia complications. Deborah is survived by her parents, Eddie and Marjorie Coleman, daughter Misao Marie Williams and grandchildren, Ricardo L. Spencer III and Zada L. Spencer, all of Chesapeake, VA. Also surviving, are brothers Eddie Coleman Jr. (Patricia Black-Coleman, wife/sister-in-law) of Suffolk, VA and Jerry L. Coleman of Virginia Beach, VA, respectively; sister Brenda A. Coleman (Monica Wood, honorary sister-in-law) of Pensacola, FL; former spouse and friend-for-life, Donald W. Williams of Chesapeake, VA; friend for life Elizabeth A. Jarock; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles/aunts, friends, and outstanding fans.
Deborah was born at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center on October 3, 1956. She immediately began her life service as a "Navy Brat", serving at various duty stations throughout the country prior to adulthood, and culminating her secondary education at Deep Creek High School, in Chesapeake, VA in 1974. Deborah explored various professions, and achieved status as a master electrician along the way. However, a love for music compelled her to launch a career dedicated to recording, songwriting, and performing utilizing the guitar as her instrument of choice. She performed nationally and internationally including Europe, Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, and South America, to name few. Deborah eventually subdued her career in favor of spending valuable time with the greater loves of her life, her daughter and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Deborah on Thursday, April 19, 2018 @2:00 p.m., with a public viewing beginning at 1:00 p.m. at The First Baptist Church Camelot, 1008 Sir Lancelot Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23323. Rev. Doretta Gilliam will deliver the eulogy and funeral/cremation services will be provided by J.T. Fisher Funeral Services of Chesapeake, VA.
All correspondence and other deliveries of condolences may be sent to: P.O. Box 6468 Chesapeake, VA 23323. C/O Williams or Coleman. Thank you to everyone for your support.
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Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Coleman
Sponsored by the family.
IjA
October 3, 2023
Remembering Deborah on what would have been her 67th birthday. There´s always something there to remind me.
Kenny Nuce
July 14, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of Brendas passing I've just heard a year later My Prayers are with the family
Thomas Hartley
May 22, 2019
In the darkness always the blues helps you through to the morning dew.And in the sunlight the blues turns your skies so blue bright to banish those lonely nights and still your frights.In Blues Heaven there will Deborah Coleman be. I hope one day she'll say hello to me.As she looks at me from the album sleeve she says without words:"Don't Let Me Down";"You've Gotta Work Hard And Bring My Blues Foundation To Town So Those Poor Young Guitar Players Do Not Wear A Frown !!" "Do You Hear Me Boy !!?" "This Life Is Not Game !!" "And I'm Not A Toy !!" Thomas Hartley At Chester UK.
THOMAS HARTLEY
April 20, 2019
Add a memory or condolence / I was saddened to learn of the tragic passing of US Blues Guitarist Deborah Coleman belatedly this morning while checking her album discography. It is even more poignant to realise that quite possibly I was the very last person to find this out. Deborah Coleman was the personification of state of the art American Blues Music and I should sincerely hope her legacy for the Blues will be revered for decades to come.I should also hope that her superb recorded works, around eight studio albums and one live album will be preserved from deletion as to lose Deborah Coleman's Music would be a catastrophe for American Blues. My sincere condolences go out to her immediate family,friends and fans everywhere in the world. I will endeavour to ensure her passing will not be in vain and that young musicians will learn of her music and achievements. Rest in Peace in the arms of Jesus Deborah Coleman !! May you find Heaven with the Lord for all time.Courtesy, ThomasHartley0123 @gmail.com
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Gerry Phifer
November 2, 2018
RIP Deborah
What a terrific talent! So sad.
My condolences to all of her family and friends.
"Soul Be It" is one of my faves and for good reason!
Peace
Jack Yates
June 29, 2018
We never really lose those that we love or admire. Like many other fans of her music I will continue to enjoying playing it and remembering her. My condolences to her family and especially her grandchildren who should know that Debroah was a very good bandleader and entertainer that will be remembered from people all over. We have lost a lot of great blues people in the last ten years and blues heaven has added another one.
Bob E
May 26, 2018
Just heard about Deborahs passing. Condolences to everyone who knew her. She had fans all over the world who missed her as she stopped touring but we respect her decision to spend time with family. She will be missed.
Herb and Sandy Higginbotham
April 27, 2018
We were so shocked and sorry to hear of Debra's passing. Love love love her music and was lucky to see her live at several blues festivals-best times were at the Blues Station Columbus Ohio. Great to talk to as well. She will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
RIP Deborah, Queen of the Blues
Mike Hughes
April 27, 2018
Gaile
April 27, 2018
You were an outstanding musician and such a nice person. Rest in peace. You'll be remembered. Much love to family and friends.
Greensboro, NC
Gaile
April 27, 2018
W. C. Handy Awards - Memphis 2004
Gaile
April 27, 2018
Jamestown, NC
Gaile
April 27, 2018
Helen Keniston Oney
April 26, 2018
I just now heard about this - I am so very sorry to hear of her death. I thought she was a tremendous musician. Send up prayers for the family and for the progress of her soul.
Rita W
April 25, 2018
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Coleman and Williams families. As Deborah's journey begins the next phase and you continue yours without her please find comfort in knowing that she now has the peace she so richly deserved. May her peace guide you through this difficult time.
Phil Iwasaki
April 20, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Coleman/Williams family on the passing of Deborah. Deborah will always remain one of my favorite blues musician and will miss her wonderful talents and stage presence. May all our prayers bring you healing in this time of sorrow . Deborahs music will long live in our hearts forever! Love and miss you Deb!!!
Annette Taborn
April 20, 2018
My sincere condolences to Deborah's family and friends. I am grateful for the gifts she shared with us in this world.
Mattie Phifer
April 19, 2018
Deborah was a great musician and a great person. I will always remember the kindness she showed to me when I attended her live shows. I was so honored to have had the opportunity to play on stage with her. Those moments are some of my most treasured memories and I owe them to Deborah!
Claudette Manning
April 19, 2018
Gods got her from here!!! Prayers for safe arrival of her Soul!!!
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
She was a beautiful incredibly talented yet humble woman. Even with all of those gifts she did for others and loved her family above all else.
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
The Heritage Blues Festival Wheeling West Virginia
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
The Blues Station Columbus Ohio
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
AACW Festival Yellow Springs Ohio
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Photos of Deborah playing and singing her Blues from the early 2000s.
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Photos of Deborah from the early 2000s.
Deborah playing at a Blues Festival in Wheeling West Virginia.
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Deborah playing at a Blues Festival in Wheeling West Virginia!
Dee Ann Penrod
April 18, 2018
Deborah was a Lovely, Accomplished and Very Talented Woman. I was very fortunate to be able to see her play in Columbus, Ohio, Wheeling, West Virginia and Yellow Springs, Ohio. My fondest memory of her was when she was in Yellow Springs to headline the AACW Festival. I remember her at Picnic at Faith Pattersons House after the festival. Guy Davis was teaching her to play the banjo and they played spur of the moment together. It was delightful! She was always very accommodating and down to earth. It was a real pleasure spending time with her. The one constant she always brought into our conversations was her love of family specifically her love for her daughter and her grandchildren. May knowing this bring you comfort.
Lamont Simmons
April 18, 2018
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues, fans and neighbors on the passing of the beloved Deborah. She was a fantastic artist and is sorely missed.
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