Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN

Obituary For Lillian Gladys Coleman

“When Words Fail Music Speaks.”

Early Sunday morning, May 7, 2023, at 12:30 AM Lillian Coleman made her last musical debut in the presence of her sister Sarah and brother-in-law Clinton. As she played her last piano solo God summoned her home to play and teach His heavenly choir. There is beautiful music in heaven tonight.

Lillian Gladys Coleman was born on September 26, 1935, one of ten children born to the late Christopher P. and Eva I. Coleman. Lillian was educated in the Knoxville City School System graduating from Austin High School in 1953. After graduating Lillian attended Knoxville College studying music. Lillian’s love of music was evident at a young age. She was an avid piano student practicing day and night. Her dream was to be a concert pianist. She was intrigued with classical music and would listen to WUOT radio as a young child as often as she could. In fact, her love for classical music became an integral part of her everyday life. WUOT was still today her radio station of choice.

Following graduation from Knoxville College in 1958 Lillian accepted her first teaching assignment in Cleveland, Tennessee. After the position ended, she received another music assignment in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Subsequently, Lillian made her way back home accepting a teaching position at Beardsley Junior High School. Her teaching career in Knoxville also included Vine Junior and Austin East High Schools. Her choral music teaching career lasted over 32 years.

During this time Lillian not only directed individual school choirs but also the Knoxville City All School Choir. It didn’t take long before others recognized her musical talents. She was repeatedly called on to prepare program material and perform at programs. She was also able to form a community choir from local talent. The choir was often called on to support and perform for charitable organizations and churches.

In addition, Lillian had the pleasure of directing the choir for the “Music And The Arts” program during the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration held at Greater Warner Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The high point of this program was the combined performance of the Community Choir and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Lillian was the recipient of the 2015 Education Award given by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission.

Lillian was well respected by other musicians and of course her music students. She was passionate about teaching piano and was noted for her creative themed piano recitals. Lillian was dedicated to motivating and encouraging her students to search for the highest musical expression. Several of her students are accomplished pianists, choir directors, ministers of music and vocalists.

Lillian loved her community and participated in several political forums. She was an active member of “The Committee For The Development Of The Black Community” started in 1968 at Knoxville College. This community organization worked tirelessly to make sure the Black community was kept aware of issues that especially affected the underserved members of the community. Lillian believed in serving her community.

At the age of 70 Lillian discovered that she had another artistic interest–– writing. Lillian is the subject of the documentary, The Beauty Of My Truth, A Word Recital On The Tunes Of Life. She is also the author of a book of poetry whose title is based on the documentary. In addition, Lillian loved African history and books. She collected African art and books and proudly displayed them in her home.

Lillian also completely understood and recognized her spiritual gift of music. Her Christian beliefs led her to assist with the worship music for several churches including, Mt. Calvary, Mt. Olive, and Bethany Baptist Churches and Shiloh United Presbyterian Church. She also participated in the music school held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Lillian’s love of music was evident to all who knew and loved her. But her talents and hobbies extended far beyond music. She also loved to decorate and often remarked that decorating could have been her second career. She enjoyed bargain shopping at Amvets, Salvation Army, KARM, etc. and was very good at recognizing a bargain and very good at convincing the sales associate to reduce the price. She was always interested in restoring whatever bargain she uncovered to its original state.

Lillian was an enthusiastic and passionate basketball and tennis fan. She knew all the collegiate teams and top players. She was intimately involved with the National Basketball Association and could tell you players names, numbers, colleges attended and even what round they were chosen in the draft. As far as tennis she followed the careers of Venus and Serena Williams and agreed with Venus’ outspoken position on equal pay for both men and women in tennis.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher P. and Eva I. Coleman; brothers, John O. Coleman, Christopher P. Coleman and Marvin Coleman; sisters, Elizabeth Coleman, Dorothy E. Walker, Jordan Vivian Davis and Annie M. Loggans.

As Lillian leaves us to join the heavenly choir, she leaves to cherish her memory, sisters, Margaret (Charles) Cowherd of Columbus, Ohio and Sarah (Clinton) Branner of Knoxville, Tennessee; nephews, William A. Hardin (Ok) of Salisbury, Maryland, Clinton Branner II (Lisa), T. Michael Branner, Stuart Branner and Deossie Dingus of Knoxville, Tennessee; niece, Kristy Coleman of Morristown, Tennessee. A host of other relatives, extended family and friends to include, Gary and Kathy Tate, Alton West of Metta, Georgia, Joy Byrd, Jay Anthony Harris, Maurice Fears, Derrick Ellis, Hilton Tate, Albert Robinson, Ronni Chandler, Pat Littlejohn, Betty Blackman, Rev. Dorothy White, Attorney Barbara Clark and Terry Collins a longtime and devoted friend (BFF) for more than 49 years.

Lillian often remarked that she had a song in her head and heart. Over the years the thought of putting the music on paper remained in her heart. The week before she was hospitalized, Lillian continued working on an original piano piece she entitled “Hallelujah”. Greg Tardy, Associate Professor at the School of Music at the University of Tennessee and David Shell, Minister of Music at Roger’s Memorial Baptist Church worked with her.

THE MUSIC CONTINUES!

As per Lillian’s request no funeral service will be held.

Guest Book

Ms Coleman will be truly missed 😢 she lived down the street from us in our neighborhood she was my sisters piano teachers she would have recitals at her home she was a sweet lady RIP Ms Coleman 🙏🏽 Charlyn (Odom) Watkins

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The name Ms. Lillian Coleman is synonymous with supreme vocal/choral music, and exhilarating performances in the Knoxville school system! I met and knew Ms. Coleman from Vine Junior High through high school at Austin East. She demanded and got consistently best effort and output from students, and thus was highly regarded as an elite instructor of music for the schools, families, and the community. I will always associate her name with the signature Negro/Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing", and Nina Simone's and Aretha Franklin's versions of "Young, Gifted and Black". She pulled power of expression from her students to sing those songs! Her speech, countenance, and attire, from head to toe, were also expressions of her creativity and presence. A complete and beautiful example of self-worth, pride, productivity and dignity, Knoxville, TN has greatly benefitted from her unique gifts! Thank you, God, for Lillian Coleman!

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Mrs. Coleman was like my Knoxville-based mom. We played duets in her home. I played in her choirs. I lost touch with her when I moved away many years ago. So sad to hear the news of her passing. She'll be forming a new choir in heaven. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

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Mrs.Colman will be greatly missed!!She a great piano teacher and neighbor .After every recital she would give us ice cream sandwiches for doing such a great job. RIP Mrs.Colman ❤️🙏❤️ Constance (Odom)Black

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- Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN