Mrs. Deborrah Jane Coleman

Deborrah Jane Coleman, 66, of Charleston, SC entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 30, 2022. Deborrah Jane Nelson, affectionately known as Debbie or Deb, was born to Celestine and Neptune Nelson, Sr. on June 19, 1956, in Charleston, South Carolina. Debbie was raised in a loving home and attended Charleston County Schools, including Charles A. Brown High School. Debbie graduated from high school in 1974. After graduation, Debbie married and later divorced her high school sweetheart, Leroy Coleman. They welcomed one child, a beautiful baby girl, Demetrial, from that union. In 1998, Debbie graduated from Limestone College, a private, Christian university in Gaffney, South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Debbie spent the majority of her career in human resources, working with the Berkeley Dorchester Economic Development Corporation from 1985 to 2001. Since girlhood, Debbie was raised in the church, and she enjoyed worship and serving in leadership roles. Most notably, as the Junior Conference Board President for over 20 years, RMUE District Secretary, Mt. Hermon Church Secretary of Finance, and President of the Amanda Young Circle and Education Boards. As a devoted church leader, she influenced the lives of many individuals and families. Debbie was from the old school and loved traditional church practices, doctrine, and soul-stirring gospel music. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, she filled the house (and woke Demetrial up) with gospel songs, specifically choir performances from groups like the Mississippi Mass Choir and Georgia Mass Choir. While God and church were her life, her love was NBA basketball. She wasn’t loyal to one particular team but adored the Charlotte Hornets, L.A. Lakers, and any team LeBron joined. Debbie loved all customs of traditional church attire, specifically a good suit. And she enjoyed shopping for suits, especially in preparation for the big denomination convention in November. Debbie was partial to all things Belk and often went on out-of-town shopping sprees with her sister Nadine, friend Dorothy, and cousin Celestine. Debbie spent her last Christmas holiday enjoying her favorite pastimes—watching basketball, cruising down the aisles of Belk, and soaking up the hustle and bustle of black Friday’s energy. With Nadine and Demetrial’s help, Debbie took a mini-tour of several Belks in Columbia, Atlanta, and Charlotte. They wheeled Debbie around so she could touch and assess the quality of the store’s merchandise. Some fabrics and designs received Debbie’s nod of approval, but others not so much. Debbie will be greatly missed, but now we have an angel we know by name. Those that will cherish her memory include her daughter: Demetrial Shavon Coleman; her mother: Celestine Nelson; her father: Neptune Nelson, Sr.; her siblings: Nadine Nelson-Edwards (Darrell), Neptune Nelson, Jr. (Sheila), Anthony Jerome Nelson and Micheal Van Nelson; dear cousin: Celestine Frost; her church family at Mt. Hermon RMUE; and a host of family and friends. Walk-Through Viewing Thursday, January 5, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Smith-McNeal Funeral Home 2119 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29405 Celebration of Life Service Friday, January 6, 2023 11:00 AM New Zion RMUE Church 4607 Dorsey Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 Emtombment: Sunset Memorial Gardens

Mrs. Deborrah Jane Coleman

June 19, 1956 - December 30, 2022