Thomas E. "Tommie" Coleman

February 15, 1938  ~  October 30, 2018

Thomas "Tommie" was born on February 15, 1938 to the union of Lanier Sr. and Winnie Kimbrough.  She was one of 14 children.  Tommie departed this life peacefully on October 30, 2018 following an extended illness.

Tommie retired in 2003 from the Newark, New Jersey Board of Education where she taught elementary school for over 20 years.

Tommie was a woman of great faith and a member of Abundant Love Ministries of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bishop Gary Bush, Pastor.

A loving mother and extremely devoted grandmother; she was a very giving person and she loved all children.

Tommie's passion was time spent with her grand and great and great-great-grandchildren (her babies).  Lovingly known as "Big Grandma"

She is survived by her five children; Marlene Kimbrough, Vickie Vinson, Steven Kimbrough, Melody Frison all of Elkhart, IN and Reginald Kimbrough of Downingtown, PA., three brothers Lanier Kimbrough, Indianapolis, IN, Gene (Juanita) Brackens, Phoenix, AZ, John Kimbrough, Stockton, CA, five sisters, Emma Dishmon, Cass, MI, Gladys Kimbrough, Annie Curry and Charle Davis, Ft. Wayne, Anna Morris, Chicago, IL and spiritual daughter Tina Coleman, Ft. Wayne.

Tommie was preceded in death by a granddaughter Ericka and great-granddaughter Miracle, one brother Van and four sisters Dessie Rodgers, Octavia (Della) Christopher, Winnie Scates and Lillian Cheatham.

Her legacy and pride and joy are her three grandchildren Emerald, Johathan and Kenya, 10 great-grandchildren, Alvin, Tallana, Terrell, Yani, Dania, Tarig, Mya, Tajah, Juju, and Taraj, two great-great-grandchildren Ka'Mya and Nariah.

Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. Monday November 5, 2018 at Dupree Memorial C.O.G.I.C. 1231 Hayden St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46803 with viewing 1 hour prior to service.  Bishop Gary Bush and Supt. Lester Bush Jr. will officiate.  Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Preferred memorials are to Heartland Hospice.