minnie lee coleman arrington
1920-1984
Life Story
A Devoted Servant, Teacher, and Voice of Faith in the Altare Community
Early Life and Education
Minnie Lee Coleman was born on February 28, 1920, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Joe Coleman (1895–1965) and Ardell Evans Coleman (1897–1969). Raised in the tight-knit Altare community, Minnie’s upbringing reflected the values of perseverance, faith, and family that defined rural life in the early 20th century.
From an early age, she was known for her curiosity and determination to learn. In an era when educational opportunities were limited for African American children, Minnie’s completion of the eighth grade was a significant milestone — a testament to her dedication to self-improvement and to her parents’ emphasis on education as a means of advancement. The lessons she learned in those formative years would guide her throughout life, shaping her commitment to service, teaching, and community uplift.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1939, Minnie married Albert Arrington, Sr. (1919–2009), uniting two well-respected Altare families — the Colemans and the Arringtons — whose roots run deep in Newton County. During the early years of their marriage, the couple resided with Albert’s parents, Aaron and Louise Evans Arrington, in a multi-generational household filled with love, laughter, and shared labor.
While Albert worked as an unpaid farm laborer on his father’s farm, Minnie devoted herself to nurturing her young family and supporting their household. Their first child, Albert Arrington, Jr. (1940–1955), was born shortly after their marriage, followed by a second son, Robert Lee Arrington (1943–?), who carried forward the family’s proud legacy.
By 1950, through hard work and determination, Albert and Minnie had established their own home — a symbol of independence and perseverance amid the economic challenges of postwar Mississippi.
Faith, Service, and Community Leadership
Minnie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a dedicated member of Altare Missionary Baptist Church, she embodied the spirit of Christian service through her many roles:
- Usher, greeting every congregant with warmth and grace.
- Choir member, lending her voice to the music that uplifted the sanctuary.
- Sunday School teacher, guiding both children and adults in faith and scripture.
- Youth Department leader, mentoring the next generation with patience and love.
Beyond her church, Minnie was also active in local civic and community organizations, offering her time and talents to strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity throughout Newton County. Her presence was felt wherever compassion and service were needed — whether organizing church events, supporting local families, or lending a helping hand in times of need.
Passing and Legacy
After a lifetime devoted to family, faith, and community, Minnie Lee Coleman Arrington passed away in June 1984 at the age of 64. Her death marked the end of a chapter but not the end of her influence, which lived on in the countless lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Albert Jr. (1940–1955), and was survived by her husband, Albert Sr., her son Robert Lee of Dallas, Texas, and her beloved grandchildren Tracey of Newton and Elechemar of Dallas, Texas. Also mourning her passing were her siblings: Spurgeon Coleman of Flint, Michigan; Joe Willis and Leroy Coleman of Newton; foster brother Leroy Chapman of Grenada; and sisters Mary Montgomery, Lela Jordan, Essie Mae Arrington, Eliza Coleman, Sudie Croft, and Angie Bailey of Flint, Michigan.
Funeral services were held at Altare Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. J.L. Hunter, pastor, followed by interment in the Altare Church graveyard — a sacred resting place among generations of family and fellow believers.
Sidebar: A Life of Devotion and Song
At the heart of Altare’s spiritual life stood women like Minnie Coleman Arrington — steadfast, nurturing, and deeply rooted in faith. Her leadership in the church reflected the vital role women played in sustaining community life during the mid-20th century.
As a teacher, singer, and usher, Minnie’s presence brought both structure and joy to every gathering. Her service exemplified the moral and cultural strength that held the Altare community together — faith expressed not only in worship but in daily acts of kindness, mentorship, and love.
Her life’s melody continues to echo in the voices of those who follow her path — a testament to a woman whose quiet influence helped shape the soul of her church and the generations that came after her.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record. Wed, Dec 21, 1960 ·Page 2
- The Newton Record, Card of Thanks for Albert Arrington, Jr., Thu, Apr 21, 1955 ·Page 3
- The Newton Record, Minnie Lee Coleman Arrington Obituary, Wed, Jun 20, 1984 ·Page 3
- U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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