Elbert Livingston Coleman

Pastor Elbert Livingston “Tommy” Coleman was born October 18th 1939 in New Bern, North Carolina, to parents Elizabeth and Charles Coleman. He was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. After graduating in 1957 from the JT Barber High School in North Carolina, Pastor Coleman traveled to New York and worked as a technician servicing IBM machines. In 1963, he married his beautiful wife, Eliza. In 1964 he was drafted and served in the United States Army until 1967. Later, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity and a Master’s Degree in Theology from Andersonville Baptist Seminary School in Andersonville, Georgia. In 1989, Pastor Coleman received his Minister’s License from Andersonville Baptist Church. Subsequently, he served as Assistant Pastor at Anchors Baptist Church in Starrett City, Brooklyn, New York. During that time, he was assigned to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Kids where he provided love, optimism, education and spiritual food to the children. In 1992, Pastor Coleman was ordained as Pastor and became Senior Pastor at Calvary Bible Church in Glendale, Queens, New York. During his pastoral journey, Pastor Coleman was also an Airport Security Supervisor at JFK Airport in Queens, New York. He often provided spiritual uplift to his co-workers up until as well as after his retirement in 2004. As history would have it, overcoming life's limitations was not enough for Pastor Coleman. He felt compelled to make a difference. He needed to direct people in succeeding in life and achieving the impossible. Shortly after leaving Four Seasons Rehabilitation & Nursing Home as a temporary resident in 2010, Pastor Coleman was called to help run the Protestant Services at Four Seasons. At that time, the membership was about 20 residents. A year later, the attendance had doubled so much that the Church had to relocate to a larger room. Pastor Coleman cajoled at times saying, “soon they will have to build us a Church". Additionally, Pastor Coleman organized the Baptism of 22 residents and 4 employees at Four Seasons in 2011. Pastor Coleman was not just a visionary with a big heart, a humble servant, a leader, but also a man of unbelievable faith and incredible strength. The fond memories of Pastor Coleman will be cherished by his loving wife of 52 years, Eliza; his sister, Lilly Ruth Coleman Evans; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; a host of godchildren; his caregiver, Chyril; and countless loving relatives and dear friends.

Elbert Livingston Coleman

October 18, 1939 - February 17, 2016