Dr. Deborah Dye Coleman

COLUMBUS - Dr. Deborah Dye Coleman of Columbus, Ohio, age 76, died on Friday, February 17, 2023 after a brief battle with sarcoma. She was the second child to William and Francis Dye, born in Cleveland on April 5, 1946. She attended Rocky River High School. She continued her studies at The Ohio State University from 1964 to 1973. As an undergraduate she embraced her love of language; culminating in a semester abroad in Mexico City. Active in Greek life, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma women’s fraternity and President of the Women’s Panhellenic Association. It was at this time she met her husband of over fifty four years, Paul Coleman Jr. After completing her B.S. in Education she went on to obtain a M.S. in Education (1971) and a PH.D. (1973). Her career included many ventures from Spanish teacher at Grandview High School, Senior Research Associate at the National Center for the Research in Vocational Education, Public Relations, and Consultancy. In the early nineties she returned to her passion for education and vocational development when she became the Vice President of Knowledge Resources and Planning at Columbus State Community College. She retired from CSCC in 2015. Above all else, she was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was committed to her family of five. She had a resilient spirit and would sing, laugh and keep things light even in tough times. She was always present at practices and games with an encouraging word. Her grandchildren enjoyed playing hide and seek with her, tossing pine cones in the creek and running up and down the backyard hill. They adored her silly antics and ability to imagine and create with them. Her hobbies included bird watching, dog walking, gardening, and yoga. She relished travel with her husband Paul. Together they visited Israel, Spain, Hawaii, Ireland and England. Their final trip together was a return to Mexico City. She is preceded in death by her father William Dye and mother Francis Zimmerman. She is survived by her brother Richard Dye, husband Paul Coleman Jr., son Paul Coleman III (Colleen Doyle), daughter Elizabeth Toledo (Holbart), daughter Miriam Chang (Edward) along with her seven grandchildren Audrey, Pierce, Chelsea, Mateo, William, Isaac and Sophia. Family and friends will receive visitors on Thursday, March 2 starting at 4:00 pm ending at 7:00 pm with a Rosary led by Fr. David Schalk at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 East Broad Street Columbus 43215. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 3 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church 2777 East Livingston Ave. Columbus Ohio 43209. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the administration and staff at Wexner Heritage Village and Zusman Hospice. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift in her honor to Zusman Hospice. Visit www.egan-ryan. com to offer condolences.