Orean Coleman

Ms. Orean Coleman was born October 19, 1920 in Southport, North Carolina; as a young adult married Mr. Levi Coleman in Phoenix, Arizona. Sister Orean Coleman had the opportunity to join the Order of the Eastern Star through her husband on December 13, 1962. She was initiated with members of Palm Chapter #3. Ms. Coleman worked as a Dietician at the Veteran’s Hospital in Phoenix where she retired. As a working mother, she was unable to attend meetings during the week and later became a member of Maricopa Chapter #1.

In Maricopa Chapter, she served in numerous elected positions through the years; from Associate Conductress to Worthy Matron. Ms. Coleman has been appointed to all the positions of the Star Points. She has held committee roles, volunteered at the Eastern Star Tea Fundraiser; decorated at various annual events, including Palm Sunday Service. Ms. Coleman has volunteered and modeled in the Annual Fashion Show Luncheon Fundraisers over the years; which included chairing the food committee. She was also awarded Sister of the Year for her charitable contributions to the community and the Order. Sister Coleman never hesitates to donate her time and encourages others to become involved too. During the years, she has given advice to her Eastern Star Sisters on health, supported their efforts and always made herself available for those who needed her assistance. In addition to the Eastern Star, Ms. Coleman has volunteered at the voting polls, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association and with the March of Dimes as a Block Leader for her neighborhood. Ms. Coleman attended the Phoenix Senior Opportunity Center for many years. She was the Chair Person for the Casino Bus Trip Fundraisers. She modeled in the Annual Fashion Show Luncheon and with the Phoenix Senior Opportunity Center over the years. Ms. Coleman received an award presented by Mayor Skip Rimsza for her Volunteerism and was also presented with a Southwest roundtrip airline ticket from a SW Airline Pilot and Mayor Skip Rimsza.

Ms. Coleman is a member of the Virgil Bell VFW Post #1710 Auxiliary; she began working at the door and worked her way through the ranks from Chaplin to President. She served as President for several years. Ms. Coleman marched in several parades carrying the American Flag representing the VFW.

She is a member of the Moslem Court #116; where she has served in numerous elected positions including Illustrious Commandress. Ms. Coleman would graciously accept any task or station assigned to her. She has volunteered on various committees for the local school programs helping to get supplies for the elementary schools.

Sister Coleman is a dedicated member of the First Institutional Baptist Church and is a member of the bible study group. Sister Coleman regularly attended the early morning services until she stopped driving well into her 80s.

Sister Coleman, Mother Coleman or as we call her Grandma Coleman kept herself busy, by making quits and Afghans for her family. Sister Coleman encouraged her daughter and granddaughter to become a member and dedicate their time and efforts to Maricopa Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star and Moslem Court 116 - Daughters.

Ms. Coleman was once asked: What are your greatest achievements personal and overall, she answered, “My greatest achievement of course is being a Mother and excelling in my career as a Dietician with the VA Hospital. I am a member of First Institutional Baptist Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.” She held several elected positions within the chapter including Worthy Matron.

Ms. Coleman said that she would like to be remembered for her leadership, volunteerism and being active in her community. She proved to be a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great- great grandmother. Because of her teaching there are three generations participating in the Moslem Court 116 and Order of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded by her husband Levi Coleman, parents Willie Evans & Blanche Evans; her brother Willie L Evans, son-in -law James Walden, grandson Norman F Tibbs, grandson-in-law Edward G Walden and great-great granddaughter Vivienne Dawn Erhet Davis. She leaves behind her daughter Betty L Walden, granddaughters, Leah Walden & Kateri Davis, great-grandchildren Delaney Davis, Freddie, Gregory, Anna Alicia, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Christina Tibbs, Nicole Mendivil, Evonne Mercado and a host of other friends and relatives.