Bennie J. Coleman passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 83 in Clinton, Mississippi.  Although a long time resident of San Jose, California, Bennie was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 7, 1941, to Benjamin McLaurin and Mary Coleman. After graduating from Bowman High School, Bennie enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Midway (CVA41).  He then went on to college where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Sociology at the University of California, San Diego.

During his career, Bennie worked as a counselor and job placement specialist where he was skilled in job placement activities involving people of various backgrounds, including ex-offenders, re-entry women, disadvantaged youth, and persons with disabilities.  His love for helping people continued into retirement becoming a volunteer Foster Grandparent with the Santa Clara County School District.  He spent much of his free time watching sports and was a lifelong San Francisco 49er fan.  He also enjoyed being with family and eating good food.

Bennie was a member of Cathedral of Faith in San Jose, California, where he served as an Usher. He loved his church family and continued to watch online when he could no longer attend in person.

Bennie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Lisa Coleman (Brandon, MS); grandson, Dionte Coleman (Fort Eisenhower, GA); three sisters, Minnie Bea Grayson (Fredrick, MD), Betty Jean Manning (Clinton, MS), and Ruby Moore (Jackson, MS); three nieces, Beverly Coleman (Brandon, MS), Deborah Lewis (Clinton, MS), and Sherry (Alonzo) Weedon (Frederick, MD); two nephews, Timothy Harris (Clinton, MS) and Alvin Moore (New Orleans, LA); and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his sisters, Margie T. Coleman and Curties Lewis, and brothers, Johnny Coleman and Henry Coleman.