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Joan Coleman Obituary
Joan Hughes Coleman, age 91, passed away on December 14, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.
Joan was born on March 11, 1932 in Gary, Indiana and was a graduate of Roosevelt high school. She married the love of her life, Dr. John H. Coleman, and they settled with their family in Toledo, Ohio. As a busy mother of four children and community activist, Joan went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education and social work from the University of Toledo. She was the first Executive Director of the Toledo/Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program where she served as a relentless advocate seeking justice for individuals and families who were victims of violent crimes.
Joan is survived by her loving family including children, The Honorable Michael B. Coleman (Janelle), Jeffrey L. Coleman (Valerie) Dr. Linda E. Coleman (Dr. Eric Candler) and sister, Elaine Pittman; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Hughes; husband, Dr. John H. Coleman; and son, David L. Coleman. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232. Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by presentations from members of The Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Girl Friends, Inc. at 11:30 a.m. The funeral service will begin at Noon. The graveside committal service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Toledo/Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program. Arrangements are entrusted to Marlan Gary Funeral Home, The Chapel of Peace East, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. To stream the service, order flowers, and to offer condolences to the Coleman family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Coleman
Sponsored by Marlan Gary Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace East.
Zenetta Coffey
January 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I was visiting a friend for coffey this morning, and Joan´s name came up in our time of reminiscing. She googled her name, and I was sad that notification of Joan´s passing was the result of the search.
My condolences to the family.
Denice S Bragg
December 26, 2023
TO THE COLEMAN FAMILY
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MRS. COLEMAN PASSING. I WAS A SECRETARY FOR THE VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM AND SHE WAS MY BOSS BACK IN THE 90s SHE CROSSED MY MIND TODAY AND I DECIDED TO GOOGLE HER. IMAGINE MY SHOCK TO SEE SHE HAD PASSED. SHE NEVER BELIEVED ME WHEN I TOLD HER SHE LOOKED BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY SHE WAS. "I WAS BEING TRUTHFUL JOAN," R.I.H
Marcy Kaptur
December 22, 2023
Dear Michael and beautiful Coleman Family,
May I please extend my heartfelt sympathy to each of you as you pay tribute to your beloved mother, Joan, and her loving and exemplary life. On behalf of the citizens of the greater Toledo area, let me express our deepest sorrow on her loss. She and your father were a team that elevated our Toledo community every day of their lives- he as a doctor, she as an educated, woman leader both at home and in the community at large. She set a high standard others emulated, whether it was in victim assistance protection, or partnering with your father to build a beloved community. They were dynamic and made a huge difference in the lives of other people. I know in her later years, she depended on you, her treasured family, and you did not fail her. She was very proud of you, and all your accomplishments, both large and small. She relished her role in building a better America. May her memory and that of your father bring you strength in your most poignant moments, and may the day come when grief turns to gratitude. At this Christmas season, may you be blessed as she blessed all of us.
In abiding friendship,
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Ohio, District 9
Please let me know if we can plant 2 trees in Toledo in honor of her life and that of your father, John.
Michelle Berry-Mills
December 20, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Be well and I am here if you need anything.
DorisA. Scott Greer
December 18, 2023
I will always renembe Joan as a fiercely loving wife, mother, caring neighbor (Prospect Ave., Toledo); committed to community as well as a fellow church member at All Saint' Episcopal Church in Toledo; and, her exemplary career work at the Lucas County Victim's Assistance program. She had an equally humorous personality & spirit to match her serious, straight-forwardness. Her dedication to family,friends & community will be long remembered and forever appreciated. Doris Scott Greer, Toledo oh.
Gwendolyn E.March Jones
December 17, 2023
May your heart find comfort knowing that your love one is at home with the Lord
Love Gwendolyn E.March Jones and Family Toledo, Ohio
Julia Bates
December 17, 2023
She was a bright light in a dark sky, helping so many in crisis and struggling with the aftermath of violent crime. She was friend, a mentor, a fierce advocate, and a totally loving individual. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. Julia Bates
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