Deacon Willie Cleve Coleman

Mr. Willie Cleve Coleman of Campbell, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, February 25, 2025.  Mr. Coleman was cared for by family members, Veterans Administration employees and Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley before his departure from this earthly life. He was surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. Coleman, affectionately known as “W.C.” was born January 15, 1932, in Chillicothe, Alabama a son of Columbus, Sr. and Iona Garrett Coleman.  After his parents’ death, he was raised in Talladega, Alabama by Amanda Coleman.

He served in the United States Army during the Korea War. Upon returning from service, he married the former Evelyn Calhoun.

His family moved to Youngstown, Ohio in 1956. He was formerly employed with Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority (YMHA) for over 30 plus years. Upon his retirement from YMHA, he later returned to work and was employed by The City of Youngstown Parks and Recreation. There he started the first part-time employee union. He stayed at Youngstown Parks and Recreation upon his final retirement in 2010.

Mr. Coleman had multiple interests. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Male Chorus.  Mr. Coleman also coached little league football and basketball, and managed a “funk soul band” in the early to 1970’s. 

He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and at the same time a critic of them. He loved the Alabama Crimson Tide and never wavered from that loyalty.

He leaves to cherish his memories and to celebrate his life and legacy, his daughters,  Helen Denise Taylor of Talladega, Alabama, Susan E. Coleman (Karen) of Atlanta, Georgia; a son, Christoper Sherman of Youngstown, Ohio; a dear niece, Rebecca Smith of Youngstown, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Terrance, Twanna, Kenisha, Eugenia, Kionna, Kenine and Christopher;  13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; a goddaughter, Juanita Toles of Braceville, OH; four sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family and close friends, JoAnn Sullivan, Marcella Mate, Larry Lindolph and Darrin Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 55 years, Evelyn, whom he married in 1954 and who passed away in 2009; a daughter, Tammy; sons, Gerald and Kenneth Sr.; five brothers; three sisters; and one grandson, Kenneth Coleman, Jr.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Ave., Youngstown.  A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

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