Former Councilmember Fannie Coleman has passed
Former Jacksonville City Councilmember Fannie Coleman has passed. She served on the Jacksonville City Council from November 1991 to December 1993 and then again from November 1999 to December 2011.
Mayor Sammy Phillips Statement on the passing of Mrs. Coleman:
“Fannie Coleman’s love of this City has produced a significant legacy of success and benefit to our community. Her and her husband Hurtis, were pioneers to our current successes.
“That she was the first Black woman elected to the City Council was not her legacy but that she advocated for things that benefited all of Jacksonville. She was gracious in her dealings with others and thoughtful in her advocacy. She worked for the new Land Treatment plant as diligently as she advocated for the City’s designation as an All-America City. She fought for parks that would serve all, in the same way she supported creation of Jacksonville Transit. She fought for the expansion of Jacksonville City Hall as she supported the Jacksonville Youth Council.
“She will be known for her support of many causes and was a worthy ambassador of the City. Her last major public appearance was to receive the Fabric of Our Community award from the Onslow Civic Affairs Committee. Certainly, our community fabric has been benefited by her contributions and there is a hole where her life had filled.
“On behalf of the City Council and our City, I offer condolences to her family and thoughts and prayers for his friends and family. On behalf of all those who knew of her work, and benefited from her efforts, we say thank you.
“Therefore, as Mayor, I have asked our City flag to be flown at half-staff until her funeral.”
Visitation will be held 5-7PM Monday, September 18, 2017 at Sandy Run Missionary Baptist Church, 1503 Hargett St, Jacksonville, NC 28540.
The funeral service has been set for Noon, Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association, 417 Georgetown Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540.