Edwina Joyce Drummer Coleman
Edwina Joyce Drummer Coleman, 87, of Pittsburgh, PA was called home to be with the Lord on November, 28 2022. She was born January 29, 1935 in Louisville, KY to Rev. Charles E. Drummer Sr. and Emma Pipes Drummer. At the age of 9 years old, she faced one of the hardest tragedies of her life, experiencing the passing of her biological mother. Later, her father married Coeany Ransom, who nurtured and raised her and her four siblings. Edwina was the eldest of five children: Charles Jr., Harold Sr., Phyllis, and Coeany.
Being a child of a minister, Edwina quickly adapted to the itineracy of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, traveling with her father to the different pastoral charges. In 1953, Edwina graduated from East High School located in Xenia, OH. Later, she attended Wilberforce University as an English major. In 1954, her father was moved to the pastoral charge of Park Place A.M.E. Church in Homestead, PA. This move was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
December 3, 1955 she married the love of her life Andrew Coleman, Sr. at Park Place A.M.E. Church. Anybody that knew her, knew that she was proud to say she was married for 50 years, 4 Months, 3 Days, and 9 minutes. Out of this union came three wonderful children. Andrew Jr., Edward, and Matthew. She was very passionate in raising her three boys. She supported them in their various passions, dreams, and aspirations.
Edwina was a very active member of Park Place A.M.E. Church, fulfilling the many roles of musician, choir member, church officer, missionary, and much more. While attending, she co-founded what is known today as the Just Us Club whose focus was women’s empowerment through church fashions. In November of 1988, she transferred her membership to St. James A.M.E. Church – Pittsburgh, PA, where she remained active, serving as the President of the Senior Choir, Altar Guild, Missionary Society, and more. She was also very active in the A.M.E. church on all levels. She traveled to just about every General Conference, Women’s Missionary Society (W.M.S.) Quadrennial, Planning Meeting, Mid-Year and Annual Conferences, etc. In 2000, she was honored with the highest award of Life Membership by the W.M.S. of the A.M.E. Church, for dedication of over 25 years of service. In addition to her service within the church community, Edwina served a 25 year career as a clinical clerk at Magee Women’s Hospital where she worked until retirement.
Anyone who knew Edwina knows how proud she was of her family; and that she took advantage of every opportunity to show pictures, boast on their accomplishments, and share updates about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. Affectionately known as “Nana” by her grandchildren and so many others, she found true joy in taking care of her grandchildren and sharing unforgettable experiences with them as they grew older. She took on the privilege of raising her youngest grandson Andrew Coleman III. Her care and dedication of service to others was displayed throughout her roles as Den Mother for Boy Scouts, PTA, and basketball mother and mentor to members of the African American Music Institute. A self-taught seamstress, Edwina will be remembered for her passion for sewing; making blankets with love; her boisterous laugh that would fill a room; homemade holiday dinner rolls; her love of dancing, music, and making TikToks; talking on the telephone; reading; completing crossword puzzles; and watching football and basketball games, soap operas, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Most of all, Edwina will be remembered for her love of others and profound pride in family. Her legacy will be carried on through generations.
Edwina was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Charles E. Drummer, Sr., Emma Pipes Drummer, and Coeany Ransom Drummer; her siblings Rev. Charles E. Drummer Jr., Harold B. Drummer Sr., and Phyllis Drummer; husband Andrew Coleman Sr.; and grandson Marcus Coleman.
She leaves to cherish her memory her sister Coeany Bryant (James); sister-in-law Helen Drummer; children Andrew Jr., Edward (Brenda), Matthew (Ginger), and Pamela Johnson, whom she affectionately refers to as her daughter (James and family); grandchildren Edward “E.J.” Jr. (Alexandra), Brittany, and Andrew III; great grandchildren Xavier and Angelo; goddaughters Carrlyn Johns (and family) and Lemiah A. Cross (and family); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, December 9, 2022 at St. James A.M.E. Church 444 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. A viewing will be held from 9-11A.M. with a service following and entombment at Allegheny Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Edwina to the African American Music Institute 7131 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15208
