Farmingville, NY – On October 8, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Michael Loguercio were on hand to dedicate Shirley Lane in Gordon Heights in honor of Pastor Fannie and Bishop Silas Coleman. The street dedication recognizes their longtime affiliation with several local churches and their many years of service to the Gordon Heights community. Pastor Fannie and Bishop Silas Coleman were well-known throughout the communities of Gordon Heights, Coram, and Medford. In Gordon Heights, the Colemans would often hold Sunday morning prayer meetings at the “Old Gordon Heights Park” with their congregation. Every Sunday, Pastor Fannie would go to the Woodhaven Nursing Home to volunteer. She sang to the residents, played instruments and read scripture to the staff. Pastor Fannie would also visit the Yaphank and Riverhead correctional facilities to speak to those incarcerated and pray for them and their families.
Supervisor Romaine said, “Pastor Fannie and Bishop Silas Coleman were a source of strength and inspiration in the community for many years. By renaming this street in their honor, we provide a lasting memorial to the the love and spirituality that they shared with the residents of Gordon Heights.”
Councilman Loguercio said, "When reading the history and community sentiments about Pastor Fannie and Bishop Silas, I was moved by their extensive dedication to their faith, as well as to their communities. For decades they dedicated their lives to volunteer and missionary work, while offering prayer and guidance to all those they spoke with. As one of her family members said to me, she didn't just raise a family, she raised a community."
Pictured left to right are family members Ms. Sharon Coleman Robinson; Mr. Terry Coleman; Mr. Jerry Coleman; Ms. Helen Coleman Mortley and Ms. Octavia Johnson, with Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Michael Loguercio.
