Muriel Helen Elizabeth Coleman Perry

0n April 7, 2020, God quickly and gently called Muriel Helen Elizabeth Coleman Perry to smile with him in eternal rest.   Muriel the oldest of five children, born in Norfolk, Virginia January 16, 1926 to the late Emmett Coleman Sr. and Lucy Sydnor Coleman. Siblings; Emmett Jr., John, Delores, and Pearl.

Muriel was a lifetime member of Jerusalem Baptist church and served as a deaconess for 50 plus years.  Chairman of the Board of Christian Education, which was instrumental in creating many cultural activities.  Muriel was responsible for sponsoring the yearly "Kwanzaa" program, Christian plays and luncheons.  She was a member of the G. L.  Perry adult ladies Sunday school class.

Muriel attended Norfolk public schools and was a 1943 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.  Muriel's formal education continued at Virginia Union University, in Richmond, Virginia.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1947. In 1952, She married Chester Sebastian Perry, Sr.  To that union 3 children were born, Chester, Cynthia, and Marshall. After beginning her family, she returned to school at Colombia University where she received a Master of art degree in Psychology 1957.  She pursued post Masters degree studies at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, University of Virginia, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Hampton University.

Muriel was an outstanding educator, she began her teaching career at Bena Hayes Elementary school in Gloucester, VA.  Where she also served as Assistant Principal from 1947 to 1949.   Muriel taught for over 30 years in several schools in the Norfolk area.   Laura E Titus, Liberty Park, Ruffner, R.A. Tucker, Bayview, and retired from Sherwood Forest in 1985.  Soft spoken yet driven, determined to make a difference in the student's she taught and the community she lived in.  Everyone she encountered was drawn to her infectious warm smile, loving and calm spirit.

Muriel was a fearless advocate for mental health, fighting for justice and equality, Insuring the mentally ill were recognized and treated fairly, serving as a member of the Norfolk Community Service Board.

She was affiliated with several National and Local organizations; National Education Association (Life Member), National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

Muriel was an active member of the Huntersville Senior Club.  A Golden Life member of the Norfolk Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (Virginia Union University Nov. 1946) The Virginia Beach Delicados Incorporated.  Lindenwood/Cottage Heights/Barraud Park Civic League.

Muriel had many hobbies, master gardener, (green thumb) beautiful flowers adorned her home. She was an outstanding seamstress, made beautiful clothes for her entire family and friends.  An avid reader.  Music was a major part in her children's, nieces and nephews rearing, everyone learned to play the piano in her home.

Muriel was an elegant , classy dresser, her son Chester made sure she kept up with the times.  At her 90 ^th birthday party she came out sharply dressed in black leather pants.

Muriel had a gentle easy spirit yet was Fearless and unafraid of change. After her son Chester passed, she spent the last years of her life with her sister.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, Daughter Cynthia Dianne Perry, son Chester Sebastian Perry Jr., brothers Emmett Jr., John William and sister Delores Coleman.

Muriel leaves to cherish her memory her Loving son Marshall Perry, devoted loving sister Pearl Coleman Johnson, Niece Wendy Johnson and Great nephew Jabari Brown of the home. Nieces Brenda Wilkins, Vernaize Coleman, Lori DeVillasee, Dr. Shelley Glover (Mark), Vivian Perry, Nephews Michael Coleman, Chris Coleman, Carl Coleman, Marc Dennis (Deanna) sister in law Priscilla Coleman, great nieces and nephews and one great great niece, a host of loving cousins, and friends.   Her best friend of over 70 years Dr. Anna Dodson.