Mr. Marcel R. Coleman

Marcel R Coleman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 7, 1952 to Rebecca Coleman and William Banks. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to many. His outgoing personality and ability to find humor in any situation was infectious and memorable by all in his presence. He was always the life of the party. After fighting through illness, the Lord decided on September 20, 2023 that it was time to call him home to rest in peace and everlasting life. Marcel attended Pittsburgh Public schools and graduated from Oliver High School in 1970. He was introduced to college life by participating in the Upward Bound program and enrolled at Penn State University in the fall of 1970. Marcel was determined to play college level sports and even though he was not recruited, he walked on and made the PSU basketball team. It was at Penn State that he was introduced to Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc and went on to become one of the eleven charter members of the Nittany Lion Chapter. He later became a lifetime member of the organization. Penn State was also where he met his future wife Vanessa. Marcel’s college life was interrupted in 1972 when he was drafted into the United State Marine Corps. He served for 2 years as a Data Systems Librarian at the Quantico Marine Base in Arlington Virginia and received an Honorable discharge in 1974. Marcel stayed in the DC area for a few years after leaving the military and eventually moved back to Pittsburgh where he earned an Associate Degree in Computer Programming. He reunited with Vanessa and they both moved to Harrisburg Pennsylvania in 1981 where they were married and raised their two children, Janelle and Marcel. Marcel was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services as a Computer Program Specialist and eventually worked his way up to become an IT Division Manager. He retired from state service in 2009 after 28 years of service. Marcel was very family oriented and loved working with children. “Uncle Marcel” worked hard to keep family connections strong between family living in California, Pittsburgh and Atlanta by planning family reunions, trips and visiting as often as he could. Additionally, he took a very active role in any and all activities his children participated in. Marcel served as the PTO President for Ben Franklin Academic Prep when his daughter and son attended; became an assistant coach for the Holy Family Girls Basketball Team when his daughter Janelle played and stayed on to become the head coach once she left. He coached boy’s youth basketball teams for St Paul Baptist Church; and established Cub Scout Pack 34 serving as the Pack Leader. But his most important achievement was establishing the Harrisburg Highsteppers Track Club in 1996 where he served as the head track coach. He worked hard to develop the athletic skills of his young runners and also served as a mentor/father figure for many. It was a 15-year labor of love that made a lasting positive impact on the lives of dozens of children. Marcel was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steeler Fan and wore his black and gold everywhere he went. He was also an active member of The Steel City Fan Club in Atlanta. His other past times were playing and watching golf and organizing fellowship events for the Atlanta Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc. He made it a priority to reach out to each of his fellow brothers to provide birthday greetings. Marcel was a dedicated member of Berean Christian Church for many years. He faithfully served in the Usher and Outreach Ministries until he could serve no more. Marcel was proceeded in death by his mother Rebecca Coleman, Father William Banks, Sisters: Patricia Hardimon and Jocella Ratliff. Marcel is survived by: his loving wife Vanessa; his two children: Janelle Lenore Pharris of Frisco TX and Marcel W.M. Coleman (Maya) of Charlotte, NC; Brothers: William Banks III of Pittsburgh, PA, Ronald Tagg and Raymond Tagg; Aunt: Marlene Thomas of Arizona; Sister in Law : Denise Smith of Philadelphia, PA; Brothers in law; Leon Holmes (Vickie) of Carrollton, VA and John Holmes of Philadelphia, PA; four grandchildren: Aundre Bradley Pharris, Jaden Marcel Pharris, Elijah Marcel Coleman and Noah Daniel Coleman; and numerous ni The Coleman Family ask that family and friends use the Fairfield Inn at Stonecrest for your convenience while attending the service for Mr. Coleman. Fairfield Inn Hotel in Stonecrest Atlanta | Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Stonecrest Hotel in Stonecrest Atlanta | Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Stonecrest Situated off I-20 just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Stonebridge offers guests value among hotels in Lithonia GA. Enjoy comfortable rooms, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and fitness center. https://youtube.com/live/LkZGvk9T4-M?feature=share

Tributes

Mr. Marcel R. Coleman

September 7, 1952 - September 20, 2023