Deborah S. Coleman

1920-2021
Deborah Stewart-Coleman, a longtime resident of Sicklerville, New Jersey, departed this life on April 15, 2021, in peace.

“Dee,” as all members of the family affectionately called her was born in the family of Eddie Stewart and Eldora Stewart on February 29, 1920, in Carlisle, South Carolina. She was next to the youngest of eight children. She was preceded in death by her husband Staff Sergeant, Alphonso R. Coleman Sr. and by her three brothers and four sisters.

Deborah graduated from Carlisle, South Carolina public schools and Orangeburg School of Cosmetology. She had a clientele there but the most rewarding to her was styling her nieces’ hair. Seeking a better career opportunity, in the year of 1938, Deborah migrated to Beacon, New York. Upon arrival she found employment as a seamstress. But years later, Deborah moved to Philadelphia where she met Alphonso R. Coleman, Sr., the love of her life. In the year of 1950, they married and would share sixty years of life together. This union blessed them with three children, Deborah, Stephen, and Robin. Married and now raising a family, did not slow down Deborah. After assuming several jobs in Philadelphia, Pa. later she and husband Alphonso laid down their roots in New Jersey and raised their family.

Deborah was employed at Siemens Technology & Services, where she retired, as a Test Operator at the age of seventy-two. Deborah joined the Lawnside VFW post #8003 Ladies Auxiliary, as a founding member on September 26, 1986. She was an active member of this organization until she could no longer serve. Deborah was a member of the Zeta Amicae Axillary. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking and her family.

Making her children and grandchildren the treasure of her life, Deborah enjoyed every moment with them. To have her grandchildren to call her “grandmom, ma, and granny” was the ultimate joy of her life. Deborah had a vivacious and engaging personality and a deep sense of humor – from the time she was just a little girl – to the time she expired in peace at the age of 101. Deborah, still alert and coherent just before expiring, made her beloved family members and those who had come to know her, do plenty of laughing. Even at the age of 101, Deborah was a sophisticated and elegant dresser. As a follower of Jesus Christ-the Rock on which she built her family and dispensed her goodwill over her lifetime was a faithful member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Lawnside, New Jersey for sixty years.

Deborah leaves a legacy of love, strength, kindness, and wisdom behind her. Deborah leaves to cherish her memory, stepson, Alphonso Coleman, Jr. (Patricia), daughter, Deborah Bush (Wilford deceased); son, Stephen Coleman (Julia), daughter, Robin Coleman; five grandchildren, a Sister-in-Law, Mattie Stewart, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous extended family members.