Dorothy Lea Coleman

Dorothy Lea Coleman entered this world on October 4, 1935 to her parents: William Henry Alexander, Sr. and Lenora Alberta Townsend. Both preceded her in death.

Dorothy grew up on the west side of South Bend and attended Linden Elementary School, Central High School and Central Baptist School of Theology.

On September 7, 1952, she married Neal Strong and had a baby girl, Clarissa Jeanne, whom she affectionately called “Jeannie.” Since Neal was in the Air Force, the small family was able to see other cities in the US.

After returning to South Bend, Dorothy was united in matrimony on August 26, 1956 to Rev. Richard L. Banks. She began her working career at St. Joseph Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Nine years later, she began working at the University of Notre Dame Microbiology Laboratory, retiring after 24 years. The change in job was significant because she wanted to have Sundays free to attend St. John Missionary Baptist Church with her husband.  She had been a faithful, active member there since she the tender age of 15. She was a proud member of the Missionary and Deaconess Board. Dorothy loved to dress up for church and could always be seen in a matching unusual or unique hat. After more than 25 years of marriage, Richard preceded Dorothy in death in 1982.

On December 18, 1986, Dorothy was united in matrimony to Fletcher Coleman. He and Dorothy traveled the world, but her favorite trip with Fletcher was to Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama. They loved boating at the “Lake House” in Michigan, swimming and traveling in the islands; however, Fletcher preceded her in death in 2011.

Dorothy doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as ALL the other children she met. She could often be seen giving them candy, books or little trinkets. She loved playing with babies and pretending to “throw them away”, while swing them in the air. With peace and grace, Dorothy gained her heavenly wings on September 15, 2019.

Celebrating the life of Dorothy L. Coleman are a daughter, Clarissa Plair, Dallas, Texas, and a brother, John R. Alexander (Debra), South Bend, Indiana, three grandchildren, John Plair (Baraka), Orrin Tyrel Plair, Colleen Plair Scott (William) all of Texas, 6 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild, Atlas.

To cherish her memory, Dorothy leaves a special friend Brenda Scott-Brown, a nephew, Michael Alexander, an adopted daughter, Dinah Jones; and relatives and friends.

Besides the aforementioned, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, William H. Alexander, Jr and a great-nephew, Michael Alexander, II.

In lieu of flowers and plants, do something nice for a child or teen, known or unknown, kin or not kin. Some examples are: pay for their meal when they are in the line behind you, purchase a book and donate it to an elementary school library, make a donation to a children’s charity in her name. Then, send us a note and a picture of how you honored her life by making a difference in the life of a child or teen. Dorothy LOVED children. She doted on them and they loved her. Let’s see how many children she can touch through your blessings!

Funeral arrangements are by Evergreen, (Dallas, TX.) and Palmer Funeral Homes-West Chapel (South Bend). Visitation and Celebratory Service will be held at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church on September 25, 2019, 101 N. Adams St. South Bend, IN. Friends may call on the family from 10-11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, IN. with Pastor Andre A. McGhee officiating. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.