Rev. Dr. Joseph Lewis Coleman Sr.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Lewis Coleman Sr., 80, of Dayton, OH, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Born on December 18, 1943, in Mira, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Thornell “TC” Coleman and Rosie Lee Coleman. He completed his undergraduate studies at Grambling State University before earning his Doctorate Degree from the Faith based Seminary of Anderson, SC. A veteran of the United States Army, Joseph served 7 years and was honorably discharged in 1968.

In 1976, Joseph relocated his family from Arcadia, Louisiana, to Dayton, Ohio, to take on the role of Pastor. He found a spiritual home at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as Pastor for 47 years. Joseph also held significant leadership roles as President of the Ohio Baptist General Convention and as a board member of the National Baptist General Convention. His deep faith was evident in his dedication to God’s work, and he found joy in spending time with his family and serving his church community. He also had a passion for fishing and fixing cars.

Joseph is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alma Joyce Coleman; his infant daughter, Angela Coleman; his son, Joseph L. Coleman Jr.; his brothers Thornell C. Coleman Jr., George L. Coleman, and Charles H. Coleman; his sisters Bessie L. Coleman-Williams and Bertha L. Coleman-Jimison; and his parents.

He is survived by his sons, Kenneth W. (Stacey) Coleman Sr. and Kelvin M. (Taeko) Coleman; daughter-in-law, Meshel L. Coleman; granddaughters, Kandace M. Coleman, Ashley L. Coleman, Brittany N. Bradley, Brooke J. Whorton, Jasmine C. Coleman, Caeara M. Coleman, Sheridan Coleman, and Luna Coleman; grandsons, Kenneth W. Coleman Jr., Joshua R. Coleman, and Jordan B. Coleman; his brother, Jeremiah M. Coleman; his sister, Mary A. Coleman-Godfrey; and a host of other family members and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church (5191 Hoover Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45417), with visitation from 11:00 am until the service. Interment will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at Dayton National Cemetery. 

To share a memory of Joseph or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below. 

Joseph's service will be live streamed on Canaan Missionary Baptist Church's Facebook page. Click Here