Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Joan Coleman, 1932-2023
Body
WHEREAS, Joan Hughes Coleman was born on March 11, 1932 in Gary, Indiana; and
WHEREAS, Joan received a bachelor’s degree in education and social work from the University of Toledo, launching a career dedicated to serving others; and
WHEREAS, Joan was widely known as a selfless individual who dedicated all of herself to advocating for others, especially individuals and families navigating the justice system; and
WHEREAS, Joan held several prominent roles throughout her career, including Executive Director of the Toledo/Lucas County Victim Witness Assistance Program, founder of the Advocates for Victims and Justice non-profit, and providing community support through the United Way; and
WHEREAS, Joan’s work is estimated to have directly helped over 93,000 crime victims and their families and generated over $1 million in assistance funds; and
WHEREAS, outside of her work, Joan was a beloved member of her family and community who ceaselessly strived to improve the lives of everyone who had the good fortune of coming to know her, a trend that continued into her retirement in Columbus, where she greatly enriched our city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Joan Hughes Coleman, including her sons Jeffery Coleman and The Honorable Michael Coleman, her daughter Dr. Linda Coleman, her sister Elaine Pittman, a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and countless others in the community who are mourning her recent passing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Joan Hughes Coleman.