Simmie Lee Coleman Sr.

Mr. Simmie Lee Coleman, Sr. was born on July 23, 1935 in Butler, Alabama, to John Henry Coleman and Arie Mae Ridgeway-Coleman. At the age of 17 Simmie left the South and headed North to make his home in Youngstown, Ohio where he became a skilled bricklayer and carpenter. It was in this city that he met and married Jeanie Louvenia Brown on December 22, 1956.

Simmie was employed by LTV Steel for 26 years until the company disbanded in September 1977. It was at this time he decided to utilize his skilled talents to become a general contractor and service the surrounding area where he developed many happy and satisfied customers. He was also a partner in the drapery business that he shared with his wife for 50 years. Simmie had a great work ethic and worked well into his later years until he finally retired completely.

Simmie loved to work outdoors, showing much pride in taking care of his yard and finding endless ways to beautify his home. Simmie loved traveling with his family for reunions and other vacations. He enjoyed sports and his favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Simmie loved the Lord with his whole heart and soul. He was a long term and faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church for many years where he served as a Trustee. Years later he left and repositioned himself at Third Baptist Church where he also served on the board as a Trustee.

Simmie leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Jeanie Louvenia, 2 sons Simmie (Brenda) L. Coleman, Jr., and Christopher J. Coleman, 2 daughters Shelda A. Coleman-Blackwell and Allison (Guy) C. Reese, 4 grandchildren, Ariana M. Ahyee, Joshua N. Blackwell, Gregory Coleman, Ryan Harrison and 1 great granddaughter, Gabriella Coleman. He leaves one sister Shirley T. Coleman-Green, 1 sister-in-law, Virginia Coleman and 1 brother-in-law, Zeak Thornton and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, Simmie was preceded in death by three brothers: Willie D. Coleman, John H. (Catherine) Coleman and Roosevelt (Virginia) Coleman and 3 sisters: Pearline (Zeak) Coleman-Thornton, Annie (Willis) Coleman-Gamble and Daisy Mae Coleman-Oden.