Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Prairie View Legend Alvin Coleman passes

Prairie View is mourning the loss of another legend, Alvin Eldridge Coleman, who passed away on August 3, 2018. He was the ninth child of twelve born and reared in Piedmont, West Virginia to Paul and Marguerite Howard Coleman.

Funeral services are as follows: Visitation is on August 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Singleton & Sons Funeral Home, 627 New Orleans, Hempstead, TX 77445. Funeral and Burial Service is on August 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 806 7th Street, Hempstead, TX 77445.

After graduating valedictorian from Howard High School, Mr. Coleman earned his Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State College. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army for two years, later returning to his studies and earning a Master’s Degree in Biology and Natural Sciences from Michigan State University. Beginning his professional career teaching biology, microbiology, botany and zoology at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Mr. Coleman later went on to teach in the Houston Independent School District at Milby High School and at M.C. Williams High School in the Acres Home community. PVAMU recruited him to teach microbiology part-time after he retired from HISD in 1987. Known for being an excellent teacher, Mr. Alvin’s teaching career spans more than 30 years.

Widowed following the death of his first wife, Margaret Ann Thompson Coleman, Alvin lovingly took pride in his sons born to that union: Michael, Jeffrey, Larry, and Rodney. Blessed to again find love, Mr. Coleman later met and, in 1973, married the lovely “Fuller Girl,” Redessa. To that union was born, daughter, Jill.

Alvin worked diligently in the community. His numerous affiliations included Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. of which he was a charter member of the PVAMU Alumni Chapter, the Prairie View Federal Credit Union on whose board he served, Waller County Democratic Club, Prairie View Chamber of Commerce, PV Cub Scout Pack 141 for which he was a Leader, and the PV Athletic Club.

Affectionately called “Al” or “Coleman,” Mr. Coleman received an award for his 25 years of officiating the Prairie View Relays in 2009; being a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighting Association, Incorporated; and providing unwavering support as a citizen and thus meriting the Citizen Award in 2011. On the occasion of the 45th Anniversary of the City of Prairie View in 2014, then Mayor Frank Jackson awarded Mr. Coleman with the Key to the City. For outstanding support and love for his family Alvin was awarded the Paul and Maggie Coleman Award.

Coleman is preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, his first wife Margaret Ann Thompson Coleman, and a son Michael Alvin Coleman. He is survived by his brothers Reverend Harry Coleman and Reverend David Coleman (Vicki) of Piedmont, WV.

Cherishing the memory of Mr. Coleman are his three sons from his first marriage, Jeffrey of Tallahassee, FL, Larry and Rodney(Cecilia) both of Houston, Texas, three grandchildren Eric, Rodney Jr., Shawn, Carson, Angel, Jordan, Jimmie III, Joshua, Justin and Roderick and his great-grandsons Mason and Marshall. and Carmen and great-grandchildren Jayne and Kai.

Also mourning his loss and cherishing his memory are his devoted wife Redessa Mae Coleman and daughter, Jill Robertson(Avery) of Prairie View, TX; his stepdaughters, Talitha Lewis(Jimmie Jr.) of Katy, TX, and Angela Gibbs of Prairie View,TX.

A host of nieces, nephews, former students, family friends and the members of the Prairie View Community will also cherish the memory of Mr. Coleman for he touched the lives of many people with his smile. He loved to play golf and attend various events with his wife, especially those connected to the PVAMU alumni. He loved the University and the community as though he was an alumnus and a native Texan. “To God be the Glory!”

Flowers and memorial gifts may be sent to the family of Alvin E. Coleman c/o Singleton & Sons Funeral Home, 627 New Orleans, Hempstead, TX 77445. For the gift store visit: http://www.singletonandsonsfh.com.

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