Basilia Zita Coleman

Basilia “Zita” Shapard Coleman
July 29, 1942 – April 9, 2025

Basilia “Zita” Shapard Coleman age 82 of Nashville, TN passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025. A private family service and internment is scheduled for later this year.

Zita was born in Nashville on July 29, 1942, to the late Basilia Zita Nelson and William Lewis Shapard. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 63 years, Edward “Alan” Coleman. She is survived by her daughter Basilia “Zee” Coleman Pendleton (Brad), sons Edward Alan Coleman, Jr. and Timothy William Coleman, her grandchildren Lia Pendleton Dameron (Dylan), Margaret Anne Pendleton Betz (Ches) and Mary Elizabeth “Bitsy” Pendleton as well as her great-grandchildren, James and Silia Dameron and Mia, Penny and Lucy Betz. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Lori and Bill Shapard and nephew Tyler Shapard (Amanda).

A life-long Catholic, Zita was a devout member of Christ the King Church and later St. Edward’s Catholic Church. She graduated from St. Bernard Academy in 1960 when it was an all-girls Catholic school and married Alan Coleman the following year on July 8, 1961.
Zita and Alan moved to Huntsville, AL returning to Nashville in 1971 to raise their young family. Never one to be idle, Zita put in long hours as she helped Alan open a business in their basement, Coleman Color Lab. In the early 1980s she opened a consignment store for men called “Gentlemen Only” and in 1984 she went to work for Castner Knott department store in Green Hills. Zita saw the store through several transitions until she retired from Macy’s in 2015. Many Nashvillians remember her friendly smile and helpful service when they shopped for shoes or a new handbag!

Zita’s zest for life was never more evident than during the holidays when she would begin decorating exactly a month in advance—except for Christmas. Not a single Christmas decoration could go up until the day after Thanksgiving and she often chided her daughter for starting too early! She hosted a big pool party on the 4th of July that would start early and end late with fireworks provided by her sons, brother, and nephew. Her holiday spirit lives on in her granddaughters who carry on Nan’s gift for making the most of special occasions.

Zita’s enthusiasm extended to vacations as well. Disney World, Panama City Beach, Gatlinburg and cruises were just a few of her favorites. She and Alan loved camping in their Coachmen Camper and went through several upgrades as her family grew. Her family fondly remembers her over-the-top “vacation” preparation to get the camper ready.

Zita had a lifetime love of animals and rarely said no when her children asked for a pet. Over the years the Coleman family had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, bunnies, and even a boa constrictor that her son brought home from college. Zita diligently supported the Nashville Humane Association for many years until her death.

She will be missed by her family and all whose lives she touched. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Nashville Humane Association.