Ronnie Coleman’s mom, Jessie Benton could have become famous as the mother of one of the greatest bodybuilders and 8th-time Mr. Olympia. However, she is one of the most significant forces in Ronnie’s success, his daring, big, and muscular body which has helped his career.
Like her famous son, she had a well-built body and would show her biceps to the world alongside her son. Unfortunately, after making her mark, she died on August 11 2017 at the age of 69 after suffering from pancreatic cancer. There is more to her story and here is everything you should know.
Ronnie Coleman’s Mom was a Louisiana Native
Born Jessie Mae Benton, Ronnie’s mother is a Louisiana native. She was born on December 23, 1947, in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, to her parents Beatrice Johnson and Solomon Coleman Sr.
Growing up, she attended Morehouse High School in Bastrop, Louisiana.
Jessie Benton Had Ronnie Coleman When She was 16
Coleman’s mother was a teenager at 16 when she had her famous son, Ronnie on May 13, 1964, a few months before she turned 17. She had him in Monroe, Louisiana.
While her partner and Ronnie’s father remain private, her son took her birth surname, Coleman.
Regardless, Jessie started sharing a close bond with her son. They struggled through life and Ronnie even survived off complimentary pizza while working at the Domino Pizza. Yet, he graduated from the historically black university, Grambling State University where he earned a BSc in accounting.
Jessie Benton Passed Her Great Gene to Her Son and This Made Him Famous
If you have come across any of Ronnie Coleman’s mother’s pictures, then it will be evident that she is no stranger to carrying biceps herself. While there are allegations that she may have kept fit, there are also pointers that what she had was genetics.
Well, the 8th time Mr. Olympia once honored his mother and pointed out that she is the secret behind his rare genetics that give him an edge as a bodybuilder.
To back this claim, a report by Essentially Sports, says it was scientifically proven in 2013 that Coleman’s body is truly genetics. He got tested by Muscular Development and the results showed the presence of ACTN3 and UCP2 genes in his genetics. This gives him an edge in resistance to damage and thermogenic qualities.
While there are no known details as to whether his mother was also tested, it is no news that Coleman’s mother had similar physical body features, and the famous sportsman also accorded her for being responsible for his genes.
Coleman Was Not Her Only Child
Coleman is obviously the most famous in his family but he is not Jessie’s only child. According to numerous sources, the retired bodybuilder has 2 other siblings, brothers.
After taking a close look at her obituary page, there is a revelation that Jessie Benton had 5 children, including Ronnie. The others are Robin, Daisy, Alex, and Tina. This means that Coleman has 4 siblings.
What is not known is whether she had all her children with the same man or not.
Jessie Benton was also a grandmother.
See Also: Wanda Durant Is Kevin Durant’s Mother, Bio, Age, Husband, Height, Other Facts
Ronnie Coleman’s Mother Died of Pancreatic Cancer
Jessie Benton died on Friday, August 11, 2017, at 69. This was following her suffering from pancreatic cancer. Her wake was held a week later, on August 18, 2017, at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.
As to why she may have suffered ill health, pancreatic cancer has been studied to be diagnosed in people over 65 – Jessie died at 69. Also, some underlying diseases such as chronic pancreatitis could be a determining factor. Other causes can be smoking or having a history of the disease in one’s family.
Her death shattered Ronnie and this was evident in his emotion at the 2021 Arnold Classic where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He broke down while giving a speech as he remembered her.
Amidst the emotions that clouded him, he remembered her place in his life, her sacrifices,, and being with him through thick and thin.
Discussion about this post