Ms. Vernita Nathlie Coleman

COLEMAN, Ms. Vernita - Age 73, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025, at Lavigne Hospice Home in Burton, MI. Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, June 30, 2025, at Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 930 E. Myrtle Ave., with Memorial service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Stephen Murphy Sr., officiating. There will not be a public viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lavigne Home for Compassionate Care in Burton, MI. With profound sadness and deep love, we celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Vernita N. Coleman, who passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born on December 12, 1951, to the late Verna B. Coleman and William J. Coleman, Vernita was a proud native of Flint, Michigan. She was a 1970 graduate of Northwestern High School and later built a successful career, retiring from General Motors. She also brought her radiant energy and organizational skills to the office of Dr. Southall at the T. Wendell Williams building. Vernita was known and loved for her extraordinary personality, loving heart, and signature vibrant voice. Her presence was magnetic—both graceful and commanding—and she embodied elegance, warmth, and strength in every space she entered. A woman of many passions, Vernita was an active member of the TNBA Bowling League, and she loved being a booster mom, cheering loudly and proudly for sports of all kinds: football, basketball, tennis, and bowling. She was also a master of the grill, a gifted cook, and the proud originator of the famous pound cake that became a staple at every family gathering. In her leisure time, Vernita found joy in shopping with HSN and QVC, and she rarely missed an episode of her beloved soap opera, The Young and the Restless. She was a devoted member of Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, where her faith, service, and strength touched many. Ms. Vernita N. Coleman leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jemeka D. Thomas, and her cherished granddaughter, Braedi Darby, both of Flint, Michigan; sisters, Brenda V. Hardy of Jacksonville, Florida, and Denise (Larry) Pruitt of Memphis, Tennessee; brother, Johnnie Coleman of Flint, Michigan; aunt, Lenore Odom of Alexandria, Virginia; uncle, Kevin Odom of Flint, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Lee Anna Coleman and Geraldine Coleman. Vernita also leaves to cherish her memory a host of beloved nieces and nephews: Abena (Hakeem) Poindexter, Ameer (LaKeesha) Berry, Priamka (Terrence) Bogard, Paul Reddick, Jamila Whitaker, Teria (Maurice) Brantley, Corey (Nearra) Coleman, Erania Pruitt, Yannick Coleman, LaQuala (De’Suan) Dixon, Myleeka Lawler, Jennifer Mitchell, Brianna Coleman, Jonae Prince Coleman, Jasmine Coleman, and Gabriel Taylor. Vernita was preceded in death by her parents, Verna B. Coleman and William J. Coleman; brothers William “Witt” Coleman, Kelvin Coleman, and Michael Coleman; grandparents Adelaide Odom, Willie Odom, Artis Turner, Nannie Coleman, and Anthony Coleman; great aunt Gladys Anderson; great uncle John Anderson; and her beloved son, Terry Thomas II. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Stephen Murphy and Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, Pastor Wallace Hill III and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Dr. Basim Towfiq, the 5E ICCU Nursing Staff, LaVigne Home for compassionate care, and Shelley and Darrell Roper for their unwavering love and support, Anita Harris and Johnnie Coleman. Ms. Vernita N. Coleman was truly a force to be reckoned with—classy, fierce, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in every laugh shared, every memory recalled, and every bite of her legendary pound cake.

Ms. Vernita Nathlie Coleman

December 12, 1951 - June 20, 2025