Her Story… On July 11, 1933 in Talladega, Alabama , God's divine providence ordained the birth of a lovely baby girl named Lola Mae to the proud parents of the late Lola Maxie Coleman and Dennis Coleman. Lola spent her early years in Talladega where she was reared in a God - fearing home. She confessed Christ at an early age. As a youth, Lola attended the Grove Street Church of God in Christ along with her mother, Minister Lola Maxie Coleman and other siblings ; also, her grandmother, Minister Dochie Grimmes Davis. Lola received her elementary education in the Talladega County School System. While still a teenager, Lola had a yearning for the bright lights of New York and relocated to Queens, New York, where she stayed with other family members. Later Lola married Mr. Ellis Clayton in New York City. Although New York offered a very different life style from her southern upbringing as a teenager, Lola never truly adapted to living in the "Big City". She was indeed a southern girl at heart who loved the warm weather, her friendly neighbors, and the good southern food – especially those "well-seasoned chitterlings." Lola also brought with her to New York (from her southern experience) her naïveté and old wives' tales which she frequently shared with family and close friends. Most important of all, Lola brought her enduring faith that would not shrink. Her deep-rooted faith in God would carry her through good times and challenging times. Rearing six children in the bustling city of New York had its share of rough and tough days. However, Lola was a praying mother who put her unfaltering trust in God and relied on Him to steer her children in the right direction. Her family can recall the many times when she was on her knees praying to her Heavenly Father. Little did Lola know that her prayers were being answered and God was protecting her children from scrapes, toils, and snares which they would encounter from time to time. In later years, Lola moved to Atlanta where she was motivated to complete her secondary education program. She also achieved another milestone when she enrolled in a Nursing Program and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. While in Atlanta, Lola assisted the renowned Dr. Martin Luther King Sr's family with household chores and other related tasks . Another momentous occasion for Lola occurred in the summer of 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia when she was privileged to work in the dorms that housed the French Olympian competitors for the Olympics . Although she enjoyed the gospel sounds of Mahalia Jackson, the "big city" introduced her to Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke. Many afternoons, the kids could hear her swooning to their music. Through it all, Lola remained focused and determined to overcome the obstacles of life knowing that God was always by her side. At the age of 68, Lola decided to retire and discovered that she possessed other skills; she realized her artistic talents and began painting and making beautifully creative greeting cards for her family and friends. Around this time, she also developed a passion for crocheting. Her many grandchildren felt her warmth, tenderness, and love as they snuggled beneath the comforting blankets that she crocheted for them. When we reflect on the life of Lola, we truly realized how she embodied a shining and remarkable example that it is never too late to fulfill one's dreams or aspirations. Lola's favorite Bible verses were Lamentations 3:22-23 which reads: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. They are new every morning; Great is thy Faithfulness." This verse was a profound testament of her faith and the blessed assurance of God's faithfulness that He bestowed upon her during her lifetime. God brought Lola through many trials and triumphs during the 91 years she sojourned on this earth. To know Lola,

was to love her. Her warmth and unconditional love for her family and friends will forever be remembered. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, God called Lola to her Heavenly home from labor to reward. He whispered, "Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord." Lola is preceded in death by her mother, Lola Maxie Coleman, her father Dennis Coleman, 8 siblings Shirley A Coleman, Mary Coleman, Ruby Millender, Minnie Ervin, James Coleman, Paul Coleman, Joel Coleman, and Walter Parker. Her love, faith, warmth, and inspiration will be missed and treasured by her brother Llowell Richard Coleman, sisters Anne and Sarah Coleman, as well as her 4 daughters, 3 sons, 26 grandchildren, 9 great grands, 3 great-great grands and a host of other relatives including nieces, nephews.