Viola M. (Johnson) Coleman

Our Hearts are breaking but heaven is one star brighter.
Viola M. Coleman 109 of Mattawan, MI entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday December 5.  She was born June 10, 1911 the daughter of William and LeeAnne (Jackson) Johnson.
Viola spent her childhood going between Chicago, IL and Idlewild, MI. In her late teens and early twenties she worked in the stock yards at the Armour Meat Packing plant in Chicago and later spent several years as an Elevator Attendant at the Tip Top Tap Alerton Hotel on Michigan Ave.
Viola exuberated personality and beauty and was equally as beautiful on the outside as she was on in the inside. In 1937 she was crowned the 1st place winner in the Bronze Beauty Pageant held at the Savoy Ballroom in downtown Chicago.
To know her was to love her. Small in stature with a larger than life demeanor known for her impeccable fashion, extensive hat collection, witty tell it like it is personality and ability to recite 21 Dirty Jokes. Viola loved to travel, wear big dangly earrings and bright lipstick, play BINGO, going to the casino, and sewing her initials with sequins onto her clothes, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with those who loved and adored her most.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Fredrick “Freddie” Dixon, son Levi “Superman” Coleman and niece Bernice Dixon.
Viola is survived by her dear friends, Angel Haas, Sara Macon, Tory McBarnes and June Pedretti and host of others who have helped care for her over the years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A brief graveside service will take place on Friday December 11th at 12:30pm at Mt Ever Rest Memorial Park 1717 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. We ask that those wishing to attend please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.