Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church, Esmont, Va. She will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Harriet Mary Janet Scott Coleman departed this life on January 29, 2025. She was born in Esmont, VA, to Rev. Isaac A. Scott Jr., and Mary Frances Monroe Scott on October 2, 1934. She was the youngest of six children. Janet's high school years were spent at Esmont High School where, among other things, she played the baritone sax and ran track. An excellent student, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). While quenching her thirst for knowledge at Virginia State, she discovered a sisterhood that she would forever cherish. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and years later was a charter member and secretary of the Charlottesville, Virginia, chapter.

At an early age, Janet set out to walk the path that Christ set before her. She was baptized and worshipped at New Hope Baptist Church in Esmont, VA, until her marriage to Alden T. Coleman Sr. Once she moved to Columbus, OH, she became a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church. There, she served her church community tirelessly dedicating her time to such activities as the Deaconess Board, Royal Aide, Senior Choir, Sunday school teacher, and the Chairperson of a very active mission board. In addition, during her lifetime, she was actively involved with a variety of other religious organizations including: The Household of Ruth, the Memorial Club, and The Piedmont Baptist Sunday School Association (where, like her mother years prior, she served as secretary). She was also a state officer in the Ohio branch of Church Women United.

This daughter of two educators followed in their footsteps by embracing a career teaching multiple branches of science. She was passionate about both her students and the subject matter. Beloved, she served as a role model for her school community at Nelson Memorial High School. Afterwards, she endured bomb threats, taunts, and dogs the year she integrated the all-white faculty of Lane High School as part of a five- year plan toward complete integration of the Charlottesville school system. Throughout that experience, she remained steadfast in her dedication to sharing her knowledge with her students.

Janet loved all things family. Her mother instilled in her an interest in the family's history, so genealogy was more than a hobby to her. She resolutely delved into all sorts of family artifacts, deeds, Bibles, court records, etc. in an attempt to learn all the details of her family's story. More importantly, Janet cherished her family members. She was devoted to Alden, her husband of fifty-four years. Sharing their love of God through unwavering service to their church, they made a strong team that positively impacted the people with whom they interacted. The love that Janet felt for her parents, siblings, and all of her relatives was deep and unconditional. She relished family reunions and raucous holiday gatherings spent with multiple generations of her kinfolk.

Janet was an intelligent, respected, determined, proper woman. Throughout her life of service to others, her love of God and family was evident. She was a family treasure.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alden T. Coleman Sr.; a sister, Iona Madolia Chambers (Theodore); brothers, Monroe D. Scott (Laura), Joseph W. Scott (Marie), Francis W. Scott, Sr. (Rachael), and Isaac A. Scott, III (Doris).

Left to cherish her memory are her stepsons, Alden T. Coleman Jr., Anthony Coleman Sr., (Paula), and Aaron Coleman; step-grandchildren, Andre (Karen), Anthony Coleman Jr., Paige Coleman, Kevin Hart (April), Marcos Roberson (Stephanie), Matthew Roberson, Camille, and Danielle Barnes (Victor); sisters-in-law, Margaret, Ellen, Hazel, and Charesa Coleman; great-grandchildren, Ava, Phoenix, Cameron, Vivian, Jordan, Casey, and Michael; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

".... Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler of many things: enter thou into joy of the Lord."

Matthew 25:23