Beatrice Coleman

Beatrice (Jackson) Coleman

February 16, 1934 - August 11, 2026

Blessed & Highly Favored

Ms Beatrice (Jackson) Coleman received her name on Valentine’s Day, 1936, when the Judge seated that day in Essex County Orphan’s Court approved the petition by Mr. John T. Jackson and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Jackson, to adopt the abandoned infant they found on their doorstep two years earlier in East Orange, New Jersey. This marked the first official mention of her name, a blessed and highly favored infant.

John T. Jackson and Beatrice Jackson, aged 54 and 43 in early 1935, were childless. Here, at this beginning, there was this abandoned infant and the couple who found and claimed her as their one and only daughter. Beatrice’s first blessing came upon this godly couple, who made baby Beatrice their own.

Beatrice married Ronald N. Coleman Sr in 1952 and took up residence in the same home she grew up in on Steuben Street in East Orange. She cared for her aging father, who continued to live in the family home. Beatrice and Ronald raised five children: Deborah, Sharon, Ronda, Ronald Jr, and Darryl. After Ronald Sr died in 1982, Beatrice watched over and raised her children, grandchildren, and, at times, great-grandchildren in her home on Steuben Street. Her door was always open to her family.

On the day she passed away, forty-nine children and adults trace their descent to Beatrice Coleman: eleven grandchildren (Tonya, Ikesha, Malikah, Shamid, Maurice, Naimah, Kahlal, Pascal, Kelly, Joseph, and Safiyy), twenty-one great-grandchildren (Sherrise, William IV, Sierra, Sa’Maiya, Jessica, Mariah, Robert, Jeremiah, Destany, Abria, Arianna, Ailana, Zahara, Natariah, Eyannah, Maysun, Rondell, Jameer, Prestin, Jordan, and Caleb), and twelve great-great-grandchildren (Shariif, Aubrey, William V, Karter, Kennedi, Marley, Sincere, A’saad, Denim, Mylah, Saint, and Alaia). Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters (Deborah, 2013, and Ronda, 2001), and one son (Ronald Jr, 1988).

Beatrice was very active at Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey, where she was a member for over 45 years. Her activities included: Missionary Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Sunday School, Senior Ministry, and the Silver Leaf Club. Her Women’s Ministry service was recognized in 2013 when she was named “Mother of the Year.” The plaque includes Proverbs 31:10.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

Beatrice’s daughter, Chaplain Sharon, moved Ms Bea to Madison, Wisconsin, at age 83 and found a place for her at St. Mary’s Care Center on Maple Grove Drive. There, Ms Bea entered a community where she could build new friendships, a community where she chose to belong and befriend.

In the days leading up to her passing, Ms Bea was visited by many residents who cherished the friendship they found in her. Nurses, nursing assistants and other staff stopped by to bid her farewell. The blessings she gave so freely now came back to her.

Ms Bea is missed by her dear neighbors, whom she greeted each day, saying “God Bless us all” and “You are Blessed and Highly Favored.” Greetings that lifted the spirits of so many in her adopted community in Madison.

Those of you who knew Mother Coleman when she lived in East Orange and was active at Calvary Baptist Church will recognize these blessings; this is how you greet and bless each other.

The Calvary Baptist Church community in East Orange can be encouraged. The blessing of your loving influence on Mother Beatrice reached her neighbors at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison even though none of you ever met them.