Coleman, Deborah

1952 - 2021

Deborah Ann Coleman, age 68, of Columbus, OH, passed away peacefully at Kobacker House, April 11, 2021. She was born to James William Coleman “Bill” and Kathleen Jewel Coleman (Franks) November 23, 1952. She lived her entire life in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Bishop Watterson High School (Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee). Debbie attended The Ohio State University where she received her undergraduate and Master degrees in Nursing. She served in various nursing positions at OSU Hospital, pioneering the position of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infectious Diseases. Debbie retired from the Columbus Public Health

Department as Assistant Health Commissioner

and Chief Nursing Officer,

where she guided the early AIDS efforts and provided leadership at the local, state, and national level

for pandemic influenza

planning. Debbie received numerous awards including the OSU College of Nursing Outstanding Alumni Award, OSU Local Nursing Legend – OSU Medical Heritage Center and Mayors Award of Excellence. Debbie was a life-time active member of St Andrew Church where she served on the Parish Council and was a past president of the Women’s Club. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Diana Coleman. She is survived by her brothers, Mark (Rita) Coleman, Hilliard OH, and James Coleman, Columbus, OH; and her beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call 3-5PM Sunday April 18, 2021 at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. A Funeral Mass will be held 10AM Monday, April 19, 2021 at St. Andrew Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Society of St. Vincent De Paul – St. Andrew Conference, 1899 Mccoy Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. Visit egan-ryan.com for messages of condolence and additional details.