Senate Resolution 767
By: Senators Mallow of the 2nd, Watson of the 1st and Hickman of the 4th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Celeste Coleman Shearouse; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Celeste Coleman Shearouse of Savannah, Georgia, on January 30, 2026;
and
WHEREAS, Celeste Coleman Shearouse was born on May 14, 1951, a beloved daughter of
Tom and Mary Coleman; and
WHEREAS, she was united in love and marriage to her husband, Joseph, and was blessed
with four remarkable children, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Stephanie; and 10 wonderful
grandchildren, Thomas, Celeste, Lucy, Andie, Finn, Sam, Madeline, Amelia, Claire, and
Whelan; and
WHEREAS, she gave inspiration to many through her high ideals, morals, and deep concern
for her fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding she demonstrated to
her family and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS, Celeste passionately served with St. Joseph's Candler Hospital for 37 years and
dedicated innumerable amounts of time and energy to volunteering with SAFE KIDS
Savannah; and
WHEREAS, along with her father, Tom Coleman, and Sr. Jude Walsh, she founded the St.
Vincent's 1845 Foundation for the preservation of the St. Vincent's convent; she also started
the first St. Vincent's Athletic Association to help students compete at high levels, foster
personal growth, and enhance their athletic experience; and
WHEREAS, she was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example she made of her life,
she made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous woman, Celeste will long be remembered for her
love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great
fortune of knowing her.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
join in honoring the life and memory of Celeste Coleman Shearouse and express their
deepest and most sincere regret at her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of
Celeste Coleman Shearouse.