Willie Mae Coleman

Mrs. Willie Mae Coleman was born August 7, 1934 to Robert and Eulah Mae Walker. I grew up in the Queen City neighborhood of South Dallas. I am the older of 2 daughters. My sister is Mrs. Helen Parks, also of Dallas, TX. We grew up in a Christina family and attended St. Paul AME church with the Rev. F.W. Grant was our pastor. During those times, your community was your family. My mother had a community garden that was open and welcomed to all who needed or wanted fresh fruits and vegetables. I attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary and Lincoln High School, both of Dallas ISD. I had 2 children, a son Robert Rawlins and a daughter Erie Rawlins, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren! I was married to Mr. Julius Dell Coleman, my forever sweetheart who departed this life about a year ago. I am a 22 year member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX, in part due to my husband JD Coleman.

I have always loved helping my neighbors and working within my community. I always tried to do whatever I could for anyone in need, and one day I met this wonderful and innovative man, Will McCall. Will came into my life and helped me take my desires for my community to another level. JD would push me to continue my fight, and Will would motivate me to never give up on the dreams I have for South Dallas.

At this time, I want to say thank you to my family for being there to support me, Will McCall for believing in me, and my community for always having my back.

Mrs. Willie Mae Coleman
South Dallas Community Activist