Pauline Virginia Payne Coleman joined the company of the saints of heaven at age 97 on November 14, 2024.

Pauline began life’s journey in Strange Creek, West Virginia, where she entered the world as the firstborn of seven children to her parents, Lowell and Nellie Payne. She graduated high school in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and earned a scholarship to attend Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia. She later moved to Washington, D.C. where she met the love of her life, Robert Coleman, Sr. They were married June 14, 1952. Together they raised four children: Deborah McQueen, Robert Coleman, Jr., Patricia Coleman, and Richard Oakley. She was affectionately called “Nan” by many over the last four decades, especially by those who made her a grandmother: Sarah Harrison-McQueen, Jessica McQueen, Andrea Moran, Paulina Bahamondes, and Robert Oakley, and those who made her a great-grandmother: Austin, Carson, A.J. and Judge.

Nan was like a second mother to multiple generations, including many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and the children of friends and neighbors. Throughout her life, her home was a welcome refuge to many, whether that meant setting an extra plate at the table or providing a safe place to sleep. Her spirit of generosity was expressed through this gift of hospitality and also through the numerous charities she supported financially.

Pauline was a hard worker who retired from multiple jobs, including serving in the cafeteria at South River High School and being the “Breakfast Lady” at the Annapolis Best Western. Her early working years were spent in the offices of the organization now known as GEICO, and in mid-life she was co-owner of a laundromat.

After her husband’s retirement, she enjoyed being a “snowbird” spending winters in West Palm Beach, FL, and summers at her home in Edgewater, MD. She cultivated friendships in Florida through her love of playing bridge, and maintained a life-long friendship with her college roommate, Barbara Judy, who lived nearby in Maryland.

Pauline had a deep and abiding faith in God. She prayed daily for her loved ones and enjoyed reading the Bible so regularly that the pages fell out of the binding.

In death, she is now reunited with her parents, five siblings, husband, Bob, son, Bobby, and son-in-law, Doug. Those who mourn the loss of their beloved Nan include Debi, Patty, Ricky (Theresa), Sarah (Greg), Jessica (Sean), Andrea (Angelo), Paulina (Jesse), Robert (Ray), Austin, Carson, A.J., Judge, Great-niece, Tessa, and Pauline’s sister, Bonnie Eckhardt.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, December, 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd. Edgewater, MD, 21037. Inurnment to follow at 1:00 p.m., Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, MD, 21032.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Charities Ministry for Food and Assistance in South County. Give online at https://olph.onlinegiving.org… or by mail to 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.

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