THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE
The most influential person in my life was my mother, Arletha Coleman who passed away Feburary 13, 2018. She was a bright and shining light to her family, church and neighborhood. She was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and especially loved working with the Senior Mission. Her work was not limited to inside the four walls of the church.
My mother’s door was always open to someone in need. Even though there were eight of us, there was always room at the table for one more person or food to share with someone in need.
She was a good neighbor and member of Four Square Block Watch on the south side of town where she lived for over 50 years. When the neighborhood changed, she remained the same. She demanded that the drug dealers, who moved into the house next door to her, not allow their company to park in front of her house or throw cigarette butts in her yard. They respected and protected her.
Her fearlessness sometimes caused fear in her children. Once during the time she lived alone, she invited strangers into her home one evening because their car broke down on a rainy night in front of her house. She began calling her children to see who could come help the couple. My youngest brother, Curt, was at work, but within minutes, he was there to get that couple out of her house.
My mother was a godly woman who left a great legacy of caring and sharing with others. She didn’t receive many earthly rewards, but I know she is enjoying eternal life in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
