Dr. Nan A. Coleman  devoted her life to providing educational instruction and outreach for underprivileged and learning disabled children of all backgrounds and age groups. She was born in the small, southern, town Ellerbe NC in 1943 to Rev. William and Lucy Alsbrook where  she completed her public school education and graduated Valedictorian of Mineral Springs School in 1961. From there she went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Biology at St. Augustine College in 1965. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and insatiable desire to better herself for the benefit of others led her to the University of Akron in Ohio where she completed her Master's in K-12 education.  Dr. Coleman returned to Charlotte NC where she taught in the Mecklenburg Public School System and specialized in education for special needs children. This became her passion as she identified the shortfalls and gaps in this specialized tract of education. This passion was recognized by the NC Department of Education and catapulted her career to lead the Special Needs Education Division at the state level. Her career would not stop there. Even in retirement, she continued her endeavor to modernize and revolutionize public education. She worked with Universities and Not-for-Profit organizations as a grant writer for new start Charter Schools. She successfully authored grants which were awarded more than $5 Million for the start of school programs dedicated to serving the needs of underprivileged and special needs children. 

Nan believed that Education in and of itself was not the Key to success but rather that it was the door and that Teachers were the Key. Her fervent passion for youth development and steadfast faith in the Lord proved that a life devoted to the enrichment of the future was far more rewarding than one devoted to self wealth. 

This fund will be used to supplement the financial needs of 10 students either currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a Collegiate course of study that will culminate in a role as a Public School Educator of students in the K-12 curriculum.

The Family asks that you honor her memorial not with physical flowers but rather with the blossom of educational support for our most cherished vocation; the Teacher.  

Thank you in advance for your investment in the future of our youth.

Dr. Nan A. Coleman, 1943-2021.