Reverend Robert Lewis Coleman was born on October 31, 1939 to the late Rev. Joe L. and Helen Williams Coleman. He departed his life on May 22, 2020 peacefully at his home. Robert Coleman was raised to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by his parents and in 1971 he answered his calling to be a spokesman for His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Robert Coleman attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and graduated from Atkins High School. He then enlisted in the United States Army and gained military experience in leadership and communication. Rev. Robert Coleman served his country for 6 years traveling throughout Europe, United States and the Far East. After his calling into the ministry, he was licensed by his father on May 27, 1972 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC. He was ordained on March 30, 1975 by Rev. S. W. Mack, Sr., Emmanuel Baptist Church and the Rowan Baptist Association in Spencer, NC. Rev. Robert Coleman further his religious training by attending classes at Winston-Salem Bible College, Shaw University and Virginia Union. Rev. Coleman was affiliated with the Ministers Conference of WS and Vicinity, The Rowan Baptist Association, General Baptist State Convention, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, Inc., The Guiding Light Association, Piedmont District Convention and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina. He served as pastor for the following congregations until his final retirement in 2017: Knox Grove Baptist Church (15 years)-Cleveland, NC; New Creation Baptist Church (14 years)-Statesville, NC; Middlefork Christian Church (6 years)-Winston-Salem, NC. As he pastored, he also tenured employment with the Winston Salem Transit Authority, Stroh's Container Division, Diamite Corporation, Briggs and Shaffner and other local companies.
Rev. Robert Coleman joined Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1972 and remained an active member even while pastoring. He was excited to return to Emmanuel Baptist Church after his retirement. He was a devoted Associate Minister, member of the Sunday School Ministry, Veteran's Ministry, Wednesday Morning D. Everett Bible Study Group and the Spiritual Choir.
Rev. Robert Coleman was married for the last 55 years to the former Mary Louise Glenn and they reared six daughters.
Rev. Robert Coleman was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Cassandra Coleman and Helen F. Gary; four brothers, Joe, James, David and Phillip Coleman. He leaves an impactful legacy through his wife, Mary Glenn Coleman; daughters, Jacquelin (Bernard) Felton of Colorado Springs, Co, Lorese Denise Mobley, Sylvia (Kevin) Squire, Cynthia Coleman of Winston-Salem, NC, Sandra Shore of Decatur, GA and Mary Lorraine Coleman of Winston Salem, NC; grandchildren, Robert, Marcus, Ceddrick, Julius, LaKeisha, Alyssa, Coleman, LeeDreya, Montrell and Kendall; and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memories five sisters-in-law, Brenda Witherspoon, Janice Glenn, Janice F. Coleman, Virginia Coleman, Francine Coleman, a brother-in-law, Carl Glenn and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Rev. Robert Lewis Coleman favorite scripture reads "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 from 2pm-5pm at Douthit Funeral Services. A private funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 28,2020 at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church followed by interment at Piedmont Memorial Gardens.