Kenneth Vincent Coleman was born on Sept. 10, 1938, in Lorman. He was the eldest son born to Vincent and Beulah Coleman. He attended Alcorn High School and later Alcorn State University from which he graduated with a degree in Business Education, at the same time as his mother, Beulah. In the 1980’s he received his Master’s in school administration from San Francisco State University.

He was the patriarch of the family, second to his big sister Lavern who is the matriarch. Together he and his siblings were known as the “Big 6”. They are Lavern Coleman Johnson, Mississippi; Melvin Coleman, San Francisco (Louise); Audrey Murphy, Wisconsin (Eddie); Joyce Nzerem, San Francisco (deceased) and Connie Coleman, Mississippi.

Kenneth migrated to California in 1957 and was later joined by his brother Melvin and sister Joyce. He worked as an insurance salesman for Universal Life Insurance and as a bus driver for the City of San Francisco. Soon after, he began his teaching career with the San Francisco Unified School District. Later, he was a food distributor for Soul Brothers Kitchen, park director for the San Francisco Park and Recreation Department, and he loved investing in California real estate. He was proud of his culture and valued education as the key to his success.

He was a long-time member of many organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the San Francisco African-American Historical Society, the Alcorn Alumni Association and the Bay Area Line Dance Club. For over 50 years, he had been an active member of the Providence Baptist Church in San Francisco, where he served in the choir and on the scholarship committee.

Kenneth was fond of sports, stayed physically active, and was in the middle of all things fun! He was a championship bowler, marathon runner, competed in line dancing and was an avid Warriors and 49ers fan. He was affectionately known as the party starter with board games, bid whist and dominos.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Kevin L. Coleman and sister, Joyce Nzerem. He is survived by his daughters, Doris Coleman-Davis of New Orleans, (Herbert Davis) and Kim Coleman of Aptos, California.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett of New Orleans, (Darrell Barnett), Keisha Coleman-Smith of Zachary, Louisiana (Lamar Smith) and Alexis Davis of New Orleans; and great grandchildren: Darrell Justin Barnett II and baby Cole (born Aug. 10, 2018); and his siblings: Lavern Coleman Johnson, Mississippi; Melvin Coleman, San Francisco (Louise); Audrey Murphy, Wisconsin (Eddie); and Connie Coleman, Mississippi.

Holding his memory fondly in her heart is his longtime, faithful companion – Shirley Harris.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church 3088 Hwy 552 West Lorman, where Pastor Elijah Brown is the Pastor. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Kenneth V. Coleman at Alcorn State University Foundation, 1000 ASU Drive #810 Lorman, MS 3909-7500, 610-877-6296.

Individuals may also contribute to the scholarship fund using a credit or debit card through the website: www.alcorn.edu/foundation.