Martha Wilma ‘Willie’ Simmons Coleman is celebrating her 102nd Birthday on July 16, 2024.
“I feel like I am 900 years old and attribute drinking Coca Cola to this amazing age,” Willie shared.
Born July 16, 1922 in Statesboro, Georgia, Willie attended Shorter University, UGA, and Georgia Southern University, where she received her degree and graduated.
Willie married Grover Cleveland ‘GC’ Coleman in 1943, has 3 children, 6 grands, and at least 4 great-grands.
“GC was a paratrooper until 1946," Willie said. “Then we moved back home to Statesboro, where my husband and his brother founded and started the local newspaper, the Bulloch Herald, which is now the Statesboro Herald. I was the one who proofread the paper when I worked there.”
So many happy memories, she recalls, especially when she and her husband went on a cruise and to Carmel Beach, California.
"I enjoyed it so much upon my return to Statesboro, my father allowed me to name a street, Carmel Street (now Carmel Drive) in Statesboro," she smiled. "That is off Lee Street and goes to 80.”
She also loved visiting the San Diego Zoo (the largest in the world), Pebble Beach in Carmel, and watching Vic Damone at the Fairmont Hotel.
One of her favorite interests even now is going to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She loves playing tennis, golf, and swimming.
Mrs. Coleman resides at Willow Pond Senior Care in Statesboro.
Happy, happy, and healthy Birthday, Willie Coleman. Enjoy all the Coca-Cola and chocolate you desire! May your ‘wish’ of another year be granted many times.
