Golden Threads
People who weave a rich tapestry of life into our community
A
NORMAN C. COLEMAN
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fter serving 42 years with Norfolk Southern
Railroad Company, Marion resident Norman
C. Coleman, 67, now devotes his time to serv-
ing his community and church.
Coleman serves as a board member for United
Way, a volunteer for the Retired Senior Volunteers
Program and Meridian Freedom Project, and a mentor
for A-TEAAM (Ambassadors of the Evers Academy for
African American Males ) Meridian. He is a life mem-
ber of the NAACP and a past alderman for the town
of Marion. Coleman is a member of St. Peter United
Methodist Church, where he serves as lay leader,
Sunday School superintendent and a choir member.
“Norman lights up a room when he enters with his
smile and his spirt. His positive energy is what makes
him such an outstanding volunteer,” United Way
Executive Director Derron Radcliffe said. “He makes
volunteering look easy and truly takes pride in what
he does for our community. We are so grateful to have
Norman as a volunteer through our RSVP program
with the United Way of East Mississippi.”
Meridian Freedom Project Executive Director Adrian
Cross describes Coleman as a “fantastic volunteer”
who is a “perfect fit” for the youth program.
“Mr. Coleman has worked alongside our Freedom
fellows as a trip chaperon, as a mentor for our young
men’s leadership team, as well as organized many
events for our students,” Cross said. “We appreciate
him because he’s here because of his passion to help
young people. And that is what the Meridian Freedom
Project.”
The ninth of 12 children born to Cynthia and the
late Lewis Coleman, Coleman began his education
at Middleton Attendance Center, graduating from
Northeast High School in 1971. He received an asso-
ciate of arts degree in music education from Meridian
Community College. Coleman and his wife, Peggy,
have four children and six grandchildren.
Why is it important to volunteer?
There are many reasons why one should volunteer,
but for me it’s mainly because I believe I can make a
difference. I’m one who does not like to sit down and
be idle. I am in great physical shape and I have the
time, so why not do something positive in my commu-
nity?
I especially have a passion for young people. Many
of them just need to know someone cares about them
and I simply want to give of myself to show them that
I’m here for them. It’s my belief that every little bit
helps. In helping others, I’m helping myself. God has
truly blessed me, therefore I want to be a blessing to
others. I look forward to greeting the young people
with a hello and a smile. A simple “How is your day?”
means a lot to them.