Mrs. Vesta Coleman Okoye Gregory

Mrs. Vesta Coleman was born in Anniston, Alabama as the seventh and last child of the late Reverend Nelson and Mrs. Vesta Coleman. She and first husband Valentine Okoye are proud parents of Jessica Okoye, who went home to be with the Lord in August 2010. Vesta met and married Deacon Wilbur Gregory ten years ago and have since enjoyed serving the Lord and traveling together. Vesta and Wilbur are the proud parents of Penny, Kim and Paul Gregory and the late Wilbur, Jr.

She attended the Anniston City Public Schools and Louisiana State University prior to earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville State University in 1977. Earning her Music and English Education majors led to her teaching Remedial Reading, Music Theory, choral and band classes for several years before becoming an Unemployment Interviewer and Office Manager for the State of Alabama. After living and working in The Philippines a short time, she completed her Master of Public Administration degree with a 4.0 average, then worked at Murray State University in Kentucky and the University of Alabama as a Housing Residential Life Assistant Director before retiring for medical reasons. Since retiring, she has continued working with young people by tutoring for Sylvan Learning Center, as well as on her own, free of charge, as a part of her Christian ministry.

Vesta grew up attending Grace Lutheran Church, accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life in 1973 and ten ears later received the Holy Ghost Baptism. A large part of her Christian ministry has been singing at churches, conferences and nursing homes. She has served churches in classes, Financial Secretary, Church Secretary, Choir Director and Praise and Worship Team Member. She also wrote Sunday school lessons for the AOH Church of God International for two years.

The Lord called Vesta to preach the gospel and to attend Bible school in 2011. She joined the Koinonia Christian Church ministry and began Bible school in August 2012. This past Sunday, she completed the first year of the Faith Landmark Bible Institute, and plans to complete the program in the near future. All other future plans are known only to God at the moment, but no matter what they are, you will more than likely always hear Minister Gregory quoting her favorite verse: "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called to His holy purpose."

Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St. Interment Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Cemetery.