Obituary of Willie Coleman, Jr.

Willie Coleman, Jr. ASHTABULA – Willie Coleman, Jr., 68, of West 25th Street passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at his home. He was born May 23, 1951 in Louisville, MS, the son of Albert and Nancy J. (Miller) Coleman and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life. He was raised by his grandmother Sammie Lou Miller and god-mother, Willie Mae Coleman He was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and served as a Deacon under the direction of Rev. Alfred Lewis, Sr. Willie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Mississippi Valley State University and graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Prior to his retirement, he worked as an EEOC Specialist with AGTEC for 19 years and JTPA in Ashtabula County. He previously worked as an undercover government agent while in Jackson, MS. He served as a member of the Ashtabula City Consumer Protection Board, Community Counseling, the Council of Hope, and was vice-president of the Pastoral Committee. He was a proud Republican, and was very honored to have been the first black man to be named Young Republican of the Year in Ashtabula County. He worked in politics for many years and for many candidates then in 1997, became a candidate for the Ashtabula Area City School Board of Education. He always considered himself a people person (person of the people) and one to help the underdog. Always a man to speak his mind, he was well respected by all who knew him. He had a great memory for Ashtabula history and was an excellent storyteller. He also loved hunting. His survivors include his sisters, Mattie Harris of Ashtabula and Tina Body Rheins of Newark; two nephews, Vincent Harris, Sr. and Marcus Anthony Harris; his great-nephew, Vincent Harris, Jr. and great-nieces, Jessica Yates, Aaliyah Harris, and Victoria Harris; great-great-nieces, aunts, uncles, and several cousins, including his favorite Queenie Marsh who helped him with many of his affairs. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. A calling hour will be held from 11AM to 12 Noon with a service to follow at 12 Noon on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Steve Sargent, Associate Pastor of Hiawatha COGIC, will officiate. Entombment will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum with his mother. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004. www.ducro.com