Celeste Coleman Shearouse, 74, of Savannah, Ga, passed away January 30, 2026, after a long illness.

Celeste, the firstborn child of Mary and Tom Coleman, arrived on this earth on May 14, 1951, ready to take charge. An incredible force throughout her lifetime, she left those she met along the way stronger, wiser, and better for having known her. Her bright smile, joyful nature, listening ear, and, most especially, her infectious laugh were among the many special gifts that drew people to her.  

In 1975, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Joey Shearouse, who would be her rock and support throughout the joys and challenges of their journey together. 

She was blessed with many God-given talents, excelling at everything from athletics to motherhood, to leading the way to improve her community. As a civic leader, Celeste served on the board of SAFE KIDS Savannah, which provided resources and operational support to keep kids injury-free. She dedicated 37 years of service to St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital, first as a medical technologist, and eventually retired from the hospital as Director of Organization and Strategic Planning. She received the Lientz Humanitarian Award, which highlighted one of her most notable accomplishments: helping to found Medbank, a local non-profit that assists individuals in accessing needed medications that might not otherwise be available to them. She received the Catherine McAuley Award from St. Vincent’s Academy for exemplifying “spirit, compassion, and service.” Celeste served as the Chair of Riverside Nursing Home, the Savannah Light the Night Walk, and founded, along with her father, Tom Coleman, and Sr. Jude Walsh, the St. Vincent’s 1845 Foundation for the preservation of the St. Vincent’s convent. Because of her passion for athletics, she started the first St. Vincent’s Athletic Association to help students compete at high levels, foster personal growth and enhance their athletic experience.  

Those who know Celeste were not surprised to hear that when she was battling leukemia, she approached it with courage, optimism, and her unwavering faith.  A bone marrow transplant from her brother, John, gave her the gift of seventeen more years to know and enjoy her 10 beautiful grandchildren, who fondly call her “Cessie.”

Celeste will forever hold a cherished place in the hearts of those she touched. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for family, a friend or someone in need. The loving legacy she wove now lives on through them.  

Celeste is survived by her husband; Joseph Shearouse Sr., four children; Mary Katherine Alexander (Daniel), Joseph Shearouse, Jr. (Haley), Elizabeth Bremer (Jay), Stephanie Beall (Stephen),  ten grandchildren; Thomas Shearouse, Celeste Frances Alexander, Lucy Shearouse, Andie Shearouse, Finn Bremer, Sam Bremer, Madeline Beall, Amelia Bremer, Claire Beall, and Whelan Alexander,  two sisters; Lynn Coleman Brown (Bill), and Suzanne Coleman Cone (John), and three brothers; J. Thomas Coleman, III, James Patrick Coleman, Sr., and John Michael Coleman (Avis), and her brother-in-law, William Shearouse, Jr. (Rhonda). 

Visitation will be held at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament on February 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament on February 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow in Greenwich Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to Benedictine Military School William Ward Shearouse, Sr. Scholarship, the Blessed Sacrament Faithfully Forward Church Renovation Fund, or St. Vincent’s Academy Annual Fund. The family wishes to extend their appreciation for the love and support from so many during Celeste’s illness.