Zelma Coleman

Zelma was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 1948, to Willie Lewis and Julia Mae Tyus. She grew up on the east side and attended Hillger Elementary School, Barbara Junior High School and Cass Technical High School.

Upon graduating from Cass Tech, Zelma spent time in Akron, Ohio, after joining the Job Corps. Completing the requisite requirements to receive her certification, she returned to Detroit where she landed a job with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. She worked for Michigan Bell (now part of AT&T) for multiple decades before retiring.

Zelma apparently was not content with just earning a living. While working for the telephone company, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors) from Madonna University in May 1997, and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in July 2000. These degrees ostensibly allowed her to compete for higher positions and climb the corporate ladder.

Relatively early in her adult life, Zelma met and married John Alex Coleman, a self-described master mechanic and driver for Waste Management. While no children were born of their union, John did have a daughter, Jhameilah Chantel Coleman, to whom Zelma referred to herself as her “Bonus Mother.” Zelma was a meticulous dresser who always ensured she looked her very best when in public. She was also adventurous and loved to have fun.

After receiving treatment for diabetes for several years, Zelma succumb to cardio pulmonary heart failure on January 23, 2025. She will be sorely missed.

Zelma is survived by her stepdaughter, Jhameilah; a brother, Michael L. Tyus; a sister-in-law, Denise Tyus; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind several loyal friends. She was predeceased by her husband, John Coleman; her parents; her brothers, Earl Lewis Tyus and Stanley Tyus; and her sister Lavern (Tyus) Smith.

A visitation for Zelma will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 10:00 am until a Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Burial at

Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan.