Joanne Coleman Shum

Born in 1946 to Charles and Tommie Coleman, Joanne was the eldest of six children, a role she carried with warmth, heart, and responsibility her entire life. At 19, she married the love of her life, Dr. Ronald (“Ron”) Shum, and together they shared 60 years of devotion and adventure. She deeply loved Ron and their three children— Jeffrey, Elizabeth and Amanda, —and their home was filled with laughter, warmth, and animals of every kind.

Joanne’s life was shaped by three passions: education, politics, and animals. She earned her Master’s degree in Education, taught as a beloved teacher, ran the Parents Express television show, served as PTA President and “Woman of the Year,” and spearheaded Alabama’s HIPPY program. She was also a proud Democrat and a committed civil rights activist, deeply engaged in Montgomery’s political community. Active in Temple Beth Or’s Sisterhood, she advocated for families and even ran for the District 5 School Board to fight for children’s futures.

As a teacher, Joanne inspired generations. She brought literature like My Side of the Mountain to life, teaching her students the value of solitude, self-reliance, and nature’s hidden gifts—from making sassafras tea to seeing ordinary plants in extraordinary ways. She created joyful classrooms with innovations like her weekly auctions, where homework coupons became currency, and smiles could earn double recess. She celebrated diversity through her International Food Festival, encouraging every child to take pride in their heritage. Former students often recall how her imagination, fairness, and encouragement shaped their lives long after they left her classroom.

At home and on her farm, she cared for dogs, cats, goats, chickens, peacocks, and horses. She adored birds, often writing stories about them, and her homemade hummingbird cake became a family favorite. Creative and full of spirit, Joanne was a gifted writer of poems and novels, enchanted by fairies and folklore, and she found joy in music—from Fats Domino and Hank Williams to bluegrass. She loved traveling the world with Ron, sharing countless adventures together, and she delighted in treasure markets and auction houses, always hunting for special finds such as miniature tea sets, gemstones, and antiques. In her final days, she spoke of her dreams still ahead: filming a political commentary podcast, finishing her fairy book, and traveling to Israel.

Above all, Joanne loved her family. She cherished her husband, her children, and her four grandchildren—Conner and Reed Gulledge, and Garrett and Andrew Shum—who brought her endless pride and joy.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ronald Shum; her children Jeffrey, Elizabeth, and Amanda; her grandchildren; and her siblings Rhonda Thomason, Dorothy Smith, Sharon Connell and David Coleman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Tommie Coleman, and brother Chuck Coleman.

Joanne’s life was one of love, generosity, and dedication to learning, justice, and care for all living things. She lived her life with courage, compassion, and conviction in justice—and leaves behind a legacy that will inspire all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Leak Memory Chapel Friday August 29, 11AM with a Family and Friends visitation at 10 am prior to the service. Graveside committal service to be held immediately following at Eternal Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Temple Beth Or or charity of choice].