Dorothea Jean Coleman, 94, returned to her heavenly Father peacefully in her sleep after a long, and rewarding life on October 20, 2015. Her devotion to family and firm belief in God supported her in life and ultimately gave her peace.
Dorothea was born to James F. and Grace C. Painter in Sweetwater, Idaho on July 4, 1921. She was immersed in the Christian Church that would be her lifelong support from an early age. She grew up in Nezperce, Idaho, graduating from Nezperce High School in 1939. She furthered her education in business and professional secretarial studies before marrying Stanley Coleman in Portland, Oregon in 1941.
Following the passing of her beloved husband in 1954, Dorothea worked briefly for the City of Woodburn Water Department, prior to accepting a position with the Woodburn Justice Court as legal secretary to Judge Irving D. Brown. She held that position for over twenty five years until her retirement in 1981. Shortly thereafter she accepted a position with Merritt-Davis School of Commerce in Salem as an instructor of legal secretarial studies for three years.
Dorothea taught Sunday School at Woodburn Christian Church, and served as the church secretary through out her life. She also devoted much of her retirement to the PEO Sisterhood helping to provide educational opportunities for female students worldwide.
Dorothea is survived by her sons James D. Coleman of Silverton, Oregon, and William S. Coleman of Woodburn, Oregon; her two grandchildren, Jill Kreamer and Sean Coleman; and sister, Janice Wilcut. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Stanley Coleman; second husband George Jones; and her grandson Jason M. Coleman.
Dorothea was buried at the Normal Cemetery in the Masonic Section in Lewiston, Idaho on October 24, 2015. She will be honored at a memorial service held at Woodburn Christian Church on December 19 at 1:00 pm., with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.