Sherman Coleman Jr.

The family of Mrs. Wanda Bridgewater invites you to attend services virtually by clicking on the link to Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel's Facebook Page or YouTube Channel. Please find the links below.

For Facebook Live Stream: Mr. Sherman Coleman Jr - Live Stream

For YouTube Live Stream:
Mr. Sherman Coleman Jr - Live Stream

Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Mr. Coleman over the phone with a debit or credit card, in person and by way of our business Cash App ($PeacefulRestTopeka). If you're making a Cash App payment, please include the name of the loved one in the "For" field prior to submitting your payment so your donation can be applied to the correct loved one. Contributions in person or by phone can be made during our office hours, 9am and 5pm CST Monday-Friday by calling 785-234-1707. If you would like to send a contribution, checks and money orders can be made payable to Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel in care of Sherman Coleman and should be mailed to 401 SW Harrison St., Topeka, KS 66603. If you would like to receive a receipt for any payment made over the phone, digitally or payments sent in the mail, please include the name of the person and/or entity to whom the receipt should be made to, along with the address, contact phone number and/or contact email if you wish to receive the receipt electronically.

Sherman Coleman Jr. of Topeka, KS, unexpectedly passed to glory on April 17, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital. He was 33 years old. Sherman was born on January 17, 1990, to Sherman Coleman Sr. and Valerie L. Jones-Coleman in Topeka, KS. He attended Bishop Elementary School and Jardine Middle School in Topeka, KS, and DeSoto High School in DeSoto, TX.

As a baby, Sherman was an adorable, big brown-eyed, curly-haired joyful boy. In his childhood, Sherman was known to be a bit prankish. He had a dog named Sugar whom he loved and irritated at times by pulling on her tail. He also liked to play jokes or pranks that annoyed his elder brother and sister. As a teen and young man, Sherman was a kind and thoughtful soul. He adored his mother and grandmother and often enjoyed helping them by fixing things around the house, ensuring their lawns were taken care of, and even trimming his grandmother's hair. Also, in his childhood through his early adulthood, Sherman worked alongside his father at his father's janitorial service. He learned the definition of good-work-ethic from his father and took pride in the work he did. After the passing of his father, Sherman continued his passion for working in the janitorial field where he most recently worked for Haus Janitorial.

Sherman appreciated spending time with his mate, Bethany, and he was extremely close with his son. Shemarion was his pride and his joy. He was diligent and determined to love and teach Shemarion the ways of life as a young Black man.

Sherman is survived by his mother, Valerie L. Jones-Coleman (Kansas City, MO); his son, Shemarion I.Z. Coleman (Houston, TX). Forever remembered by his siblings, brother, John E. Birdwhistle Jr. (Topeka, KS); sister, Dr. Alishia S. Birdwhistle-Bush and her husband Dr. Chris L. Bush, and their sons, Chris L. Birdwhistle-Bush, and Jaq'Son L. Birdwhistle-Bush (Wichita, KS). He is also loved and remembered by his grandmother Rosa L. Ransom (Topeka, KS); his niece Johnna E. Birdwhistle and her son, his great nephew, Dione M. Birdwhistle (Topeka, KS) and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and caring friends.

Sherman is preceded in death by his father, Sherman Coleman Sr. (Topeka, KS); his grandfathers, Lewis V. Ransom and Johnnie Coleman (Topeka, KS) and Melvin Jones Sr. (Kansas City, KS); his grandmother, Louise Tremble and her husband Frank Tremble (Topeka, KS).

At an early age Sherman was baptized and gave his life to the Lord. Through all of life's challenges, and there were many, Sherman continuously strived to be the best version of himself and was always trying to encourage those he came into contact with. Days before departing us, Sherman wrote the following poem. While he will be extremely missed, we yet rest and rejoice in knowing that he is with the Most High God. If Sherman would want you to take anything from his life, it would be the words of inspiration and encouragement that he gifted to everyone in his poem.

I Am Alive
By Sherman Coleman Jr.

As I have grown in life, I have realized that I had not had enough fun in life yet because I had not died (of sin). Meaning, you are not supposed to die (in a sinful state) without being saved and repenting -living a saved and repentant life, that is where the fun kicks in. When you begin believing in God, you also begin seeing your mistakes in life. You see my friend, before my newfound relationship with God, I was not aware or mature enough to see my faults. See, in life, you are supposed to have fun and live in joy. Your life should be a living witness because you are "the light of the world" -passing on your teaching and your learning to others before you die (physically). Now come here you foolish one who is yet like me -my brothers and my sisters who are fallen angels that are misunderstood. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. HE lived before us, and HE lives after us. My eyes and my mind have been opened and I am a witness and I believe. Now, let me season you with all the fun and greatness that I have seen -sheer enjoyment that is far greater than all the riches I have found. I am alive and this awakening makes me believe that we all are supernatural beings. As I have grown in life, I have realized that I had not had enough fun in life yet because I had not died (of sin).

Sherman Coleman Jr., Author, Facebook Post, April 1, 2023