Dorothy L.W. Coleman

Mrs. Dorothy Louise Webster Coleman, of 3808 Dupuy Road, Ettrick, Va., departed this life on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Lucy Corr Village, Chesterfield, Va.

Dorothy Louise Webster Coleman, better known as "Dot," the eldest of four children, was born on April 9, 1926, to the late Franklin Benjamin Webster and Mamie Edmonia Parks Webster. She confessed Christ and was baptized into the membership of Shiloh at an early age by the Rev. John M. Ellison.

She was educated in the Chesterfield County Public School System and continued her education at Virginia State College (University) where she received a bachelor of science degree with a minor in nutrition.

Dorothy was married to the late Joseph Coleman in March 1971. Two stepdaughters, Glynice Coleman and Cheryl C. Dean, and a stepson, Joseph Jr. (deceased); two stepgrandchildren, LaShauna and Brea Dean developed from this union.

Dorothy was employed for three years with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Education (1949-1952) and 37 years at the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Mental Health and Retardation (1952-1987).

All of her life, Dorothy has been attracted to the "hurting," the "down-hearted" and the Missionary Ministry which afforded her the opportunity to do "something" that she liked doing; therefore, she became a member of the Missionary Ministry. When she could help and assist others, she felt good knowing that she was following God's command. God blessed her through this ministry so she could bless others.

As a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, she attended Sunday School, prayer and Bible study, served in several positions and on many committees, including: Senior Choir, (during the late '60s), the Senior Usher Board (Ministry), and Missionary Circle (Ministry), 1963-present. The committees include: Finance, Hospitality, Nominating, Memorial Scholarship and the Pastor's Search committee and a member of the Sixty Plus Connection Ministry and chairperson of the 120th year Shiloh Baptist Church church anniversary that will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, and Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009.

Dorothy received several awards, certificates and plaques: Certificate of Appreciation for services rendered as a member of the Senior Usher Board (Ministry) in 1983 and 1993, Certificate of Appreciation and Attendance from the 1995 Vacation Bible School Session; Certificate of Appreciation from the Missionary Ministry for loyal, faithful and dedicated service as a member and secretary – 2005; and a plaque for serving as the Church's Financial Secretary from 1963 through 1971.

On May 14, 1995, she was chosen as Shiloh's "Mother of the Year."

Dorothy was the secretary of the Alease Cooley Memorial Tent #718.

Dorothy's hobbies and interests include listening to gospel music, drama, hearing good preaching and teaching, and caring for the sick including for her husband, Joseph Coleman, her mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Coleman Walker, and her mother, Mrs. Mamie Webster, during their illness until their demise.

Dorothy served on the local and state levels of the Area A District A-3 Women's Division of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. For services rendered as a missionary on these levels, she was awarded and received a Certificate and a Life Member's Pin in May 1999.

Dorothy is survived by two stepdaughters, Glynice Coleman of Englewood, N.J., and Cheryl C. Dean (Maurice) of Virginia Beach, Va.; two stepgrandchildren, LaShauna and Brea Dean of Virginia Beach, Va.; three nieces, Marsha W. Johnson (Fred) of Richmond, Va., Francene W. Anderson of Richmond, Va., Michelle W. Tucker of Chesterfield, Va.; one nephew, Michael Webster of Chesterfield, Va.; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, Jessica, Douglas (Stacey), Nicole (James), Jerry Jr., Monica, Shawanna, Corey, KeA'jah, Kevin, Marquis, Miles, Justin, Nicholas; and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends, including devoted friends, Mrs. Ada Jefferson and Mrs. Linda Whitted, both of Petersburg, Va., and Mrs. Minnie Core of Ettrick, Va., devoted neighbors, William "Pop" and Wilma Jones Brown and area missionaries.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 6711 Hickory Road, Petersburg, VA 23803; the Rev. Marcus N. Leggett, pastor, officiating. Interment to follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capital Improvement Building Fund of the Shiloh Baptist Church in memory of Mrs. Dorothy Webster Coleman.

The family may be contacted by calling (804) 526-4419 or (804) 350-2098.

A wake will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at the Chapel of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc.

Family members are asked to assemble at the residence at 1 p.m. Thursday for the funeral processional. Mrs. Coleman may be viewed at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Coleman online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.