Helen Virginia Coleman Washington

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

~ II Timothy 4: 6 -8

     Today we pause to pay tribute to the LIFE, LOVE and LEGACY of Helen Coleman Washington, who was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, pillar and leader of the community.

     Helen Coleman Washington graced the earth with her angelic presence on Friday, September 21, 1928. She was the eldest of nine children born to the parentage of the late Robert and Virginia Williams Coleman, in Northampton County, North Carolina.

      Helen believed in God; the Father Almighty, who created heaven and earth. Having God as an integral part of her upbringing, Helen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, early in life and united in Christian Fellowship with Chapel Grove Baptist Church, Garysburg, North Carolina. During her youth, she was a part of a gospel singing group with her sisters called, “The Coleman Girls”. Helen also played piano for the church choir, under the direction of her late grandmother, Emma Jane Williams.

     Helen was educated in the Northampton County Training School, graduating in 1948. As life progressed, Helen’s curiosity sparked her interest in the Funeral Service Industry which was largely influenced by her late grandfather, Walter Williams, who owned and operated Williams-Day Funeral Service of Garysburg, North Carolina, during the early 1900’s. After graduating from high school, Helen relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she enrolled in Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. In 1952, she successfully accomplished the prerequisites for licensure and employment in Funeral Service, graduating with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Shortly thereafter, she returned to North Carolina and began working for Brown Funeral Home of Warrenton, where she completed her internship under the tutelage of the late Thurston Brown - learning the fundamentals of Funeral Service. Upon obtaining her licensure, Helen worked for many other funeral establishments throughout the area, including: Bond Funeral Home and House of Knox both of Emporia, Virginia; Cofield Funeral Home of Weldon, North Carolina, R. H. Green Funeral Home of Warrenton, North Carolina and several others in the state of New York.

     A true entrepreneur-at-heart, Helen founded Coleman Funeral Home of Garysburg, North Carolina in 1960. According to Charles Phillips, former Executive Secretary of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, she was the first woman to independently own a funeral home in the state of North Carolina. Helen had the pleasure of serving many grieving families throughout Eastern North Carolina and Southside Virginia, until her health declined. She had such an amazing flair and personified professionalism in Funeral Service. Helen shared her passion, and love for the Funeral Service Industry while serving families in their darkest hours. Helen did so with dignity, elegance and grace. Her footprints have left a lasting impression upon the lives of many, as she has paved the way for so many others who still serve today. Her servitude to her community afforded her the opportunity to nurture countless friendships that will last a lifetime.

     On Monday, February 13, 2023, Helen Coleman Washington peacefully answered God’s call from earthly labor unto sweet eternal rest, while in the care of Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina. Her seeds are well-sown; her service on earth is complete, and she’s now basking in the victory and triumph of eternal life. In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, James Jerome Washington; three siblings, Andrew Lee Coleman (Goldie), Robert Coleman (Delores) and Ella Mae Coleman; her in-laws, Johnny Perkins and Robert Irving; and many others relatives who have gone on before her.

     Your life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of other needs. Today and tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always love and cherish you. Her sweet spirit, caring heart and generosity will long be remembered by: her son, Lionel Rogers; her siblings, Julia Perkins of Chesapeake, Virginia, Gracie Irving of Greensboro, North Carolina, James Coleman (Malinda) of Garysburg, North Carolina, Luvenia Coleman of Hallandale Beach, Florida and Essie Dunham (Bob) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; her nieces and nephews, Carmelitia J. Coleman, Jacqueline Coleman Carmon (Jeff), Kathy Scott (Mark), Beverly Perkins, Travie G. Coleman, Darrell Coleman, Shirley Coleman, Kimberly Freeman (Christopher), Milton Irving, Grace Irving, Marsha Irving, Zarinah James and Tamir James; a goddaughter, Lieutenant Colonel Cynthia K. McGee; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Washington's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mrs. Helen Coleman Washington.  

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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