In Memory of
Frances Dee Coleman
December 11, 1937 - October 19, 2024
Please join us in her Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Viewing 10:00am - 11:00am
Funeral Mass 11:00am - 12:00pm
at Holy Cross Parish in Mt. Airy
(140 E. Mount Airy Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119)
Interment following the Mass will be at
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
(3301 W. Cheltenham Ave, Glenside, PA 19150)
Repast held at Holy Cross Parish following the burial
(140 E. Mount Pleasant Ave, Phila., PA 19119)
Please keep Ms. Frances' daughter, Stephanie Coleman, and her grandson, Stephen Coleman, and their extended family in your prayers. Rest in peace, sweet sister.
OBITUARY
Written by Stephanie Coleman, daughter
Frances Dee Coleman entered into this life on December 11, 1937 to the late Boyis Leonard Terry and Edna May Terry.
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, she was gently called home by the angels of the Lord.
Frances was educated in the Philadelphia Public School. She graduated from Germantown High School. After graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, the late Edwin Steven Coleman, Jr. This union produced 1 child, Stephanie.
Frances was first employed at Apex Linen Services, Philadelphia, Pa. She developed many lasting friendships at Apex. Frances always wanted to improve her life. She enrolled in “key punch” classes at IOC (Industrialization Centers of America) founded by the late Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan in 1964. Frances excelled quickly and was hired in the late 60’s by Provident National Bank. Her office was in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building, 120 South 17th Street, Phila., PA.
During her employment, Frances enrolled in business classes at Pierce Junior College. It didn’t take too long for Frances to succeed in her employment goals. She worked in the bank’s settlement department for the majority of her employment at PNC. Frances had so many lasting friendships from working at PNC from 1966-1984. She was respected and well-liked by her co-workers and management.
Frances next job would take her across the street from PNC to at the Architect Building. Frances was hired by the late Samuel L. Evans, who founded American Foundation for Negro Affairs (AFNA). Ironically, Frances’ daughter was a student in the AFNA program from 1974-1977. Frances started as an instructor assisting inner city high school students with applying to top colleges and helping graduates with the process to enter medical, business and law schools. Frances was promoted as the “Director” of AFNA. She served in this position until 1994 when her daughter asked her to help open the Law Offices of Stephanie R. Coleman, P.C.
Frances as usual accepted the challenge. She was the secretary and office manager, and the glue that kept her daughter’s law firm together. Frances worked as the legal secretary/office manager from 1994-2014.
Frances was first a Baptist. She was a member of National Temple Baptist Church, 1628 W. Master Street, Phila.PA. As a young girl, she attended Sunday school and was an usher. She attended National Temple Baptist Church with her beloved Mother, Edna May Terry. In 1959, Frances received Catholic instructions at Our Lady of Mercy Church, in North Philadelphia. She attended Our Lady of Mercy Church until she moved to the Nice Town section of Philadelphia and joined St. Stephen Catholic Church. She later joined Holy Child Church in the Somerville section of Philadelphia.
In 1992, Frances moved to Oreland, Pa. She joined Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church. Frances was a faithful and devoted parishioner of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church.
Frances was an avid traveler. She enjoyed traveling with her daughter, Stephanie and grandson, Stephen. Her favorite vacation spots were St. Croix, VI and St. Maarten.
Frances enjoyed listening to gospel music. Her favorite gospel singers were Mahalia Jackson, Shirley Caesar and James Cleveland. She would play her music loud when she home relaxing. Frances also played the piano. She had piano lessons from adolescent to her teens by the late Mr. Brown, West Philadelphia.
Frances was a soft-spoken person. She never raised her voice. She had a smile that told a story of a lovely lady. Frances was truly the epitome of elegance and good taste. Frances enjoyed to shop for fashion and perfumes. She never left home without her make-up, just a little lip-stick and rouge. Frances was a given Mother, grandmother and sister. She never said, “No” if you were in need of assistance. Frances followed into the steps of her beloved Mother, Edna May, who also gave her all to her family. Her quiet nature, soothing words, and her gift of encouraging others to do their best and reach for the “Impossible Dream” will be missed by her family and friends.
Frances leaves to cherish her memory: her only daughter, Stephanie Renee Coleman, Esquire, her only grandson, Stephen, T. Coleman, her brothers, Leonard Terry (pre-decease) and James Owens, her cousin, Larry Terry and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mom will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. Love you Mom.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The FAMILY
