Tuff Love
My dad is the eldest of the Coleman Brothers. Anyone who knows us knows you had to be strong to grow up with a Coleman daddy! Coleman daddies have high expectations, they are intimidating and they don't miss anything! The same way Van is forever part of the law enforcement community, my father is forever part of the Civil Rights community. Different strategies, but both with an unshakable faith in humanity's ability to rise.
You have to be tough with one of these Coleman daddies! Old fashioned butt wuppins were always on deck when necessary("you better not fall asleep with that thumb in your mouth Jason!")!
Texarkana, Olila's house, maybe 1975. Van sets me squarely in his gaze, he caught me looking wistfully at dessert(they don't miss nuthin!). I was paralyzed with fear. My parents were ahead of the curve on parts of the health kick: sodas, candy & Mickey Dees was never in my reach.
"Don't even THINK about any dessert!" Van boomed. "Don't even THINK about eating your dessert, till you've finished your fried chicken." Not a bad deal after all!
Discipline, sure, tough love, high expectations? Definitely. But the rewards lord! The rewards! Great role models for Derrick & I, and one day......?
Thanks for the Tuff Love Van, Dad, Junior

I remember once when I almost blew his cover. He was working for the State I am not sure of the department but it had to do with law enforcement. We were on Crenshaw Blvd. and I saw him. He was on the outside of some parked cars along the street and he was walking kind of stooped over, and I called out his name and it seemed as if he was trying to ignore me, so I called out louder. This time he waved his hand as if to say go away and he continued his pursuit. I found out later that he and the persons with him, that I didn't initially pay attention to, were on, I believe, a drug bust, and I almost blew his cover. 

From the first time I met them, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman made me feel like family. Lelania and I have been friends since our days at Fisk University which was about 18 years ago. Whenever I visited LA, the Colemans were my airport chauffeurs because Lelania would be working. They always made sure I was well fed and kept me occupied. In fact, many of the sights I first saw in LA were with them- Hollywood Walk of Fame, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, The Kodak Theater, The Beverly Center, etc. It became a part of the trip I looked forward to as much as I did visiting with Lelania.

My favorite memory of Mr. Coleman is him grilling me about a man I was dating. I couldn't even fasten my seatbelt before the interrogation began! I won't repeat what he said but let's just say he set me straight! Years later he was very happy to meet "that man", my husband, at Lelania's wedding. And that was Mr. Coleman: caring, straightforward, and he did not mince words! 

I'll never forget the kindness Mr. Coleman extended to me, even going as far as to treat me like a daughter. I was always proud of the ways he loved his family, especially Mrs. Coleman. This is a hard time for all of us, but the good memories are a testament of the kind of man he was. May his memory live on forever!

To Mrs. Coleman, Derrick, Jason, Reggie, and Lelania I pray that God's peace surrounds you in the coming days. Love to you all!

-Alex

Mr. Coleman always made me feel welcomed whenever I came over to visit Jason.  My most memorable time was one Fourth of July, I was invited over for a Fourth of July celebration. The food and company was awesome. I never ate so many mini sausages in one sitting. He was a great man. I'm glad I was blessed with his fatherly presence.

Calvin McDonald 

I've always enjoyed spending time

with Van and his family on the many occasions while in Cali. I must say picking fruit from his trees was always a highlight for me.

Van had such a peaceful spirit about himself, and at the same time also kept it real. He and cousin Dorothy always displayed the highest amount of hospitality with me: I always felt welcomed.

Van and family I'm so grateful for the time I was able to spend with you all in the past and especially in 2015. I have many memories to cherish.

You are greatly missed!

Love

Josh H

I could always talk with Van after my husband passed away and Van would give me such wonderful guidance.  It did not matter what we discussed because he would just smile and in his gentle way, provide me with so much input that my problems would disappear quickly.  He was truly like a Guardian Angel.  I will never forget his kindness and caring nature.    He always looked out for everyone and made our neighborhood a safe haven.  He was a constant ray of sunshine.   I feel better for having known him and shared so many wonderful memories.

He was totally devoted to his wonderful family and loved to cook for everyone.

We would love for you to share stories about our father. It doesn’t matter if you write a few paragraphs, a single page, or several pages. The important thing is that you write something. Anything is better than nothing at all.