Biography: Dorothy Morrow Coleman, 94, died August 26, 2023, of complications from COPD.
Dorothy was born in Little Rock on August 5, 1929, to Grace Morrow Coleman and Joseph Solomon Coleman. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Mary Grace Riley, Josephine Coleman Wilhite and Johanna Coleman.
Although never married, Dorothy was a beloved friend and aunt to Grace Riley Price (Phil), Nancy Wilhite Howell (Frank), Coleman A Riley and Tom B. Wilhite. Preceding her in death was niece Patty Meriwether Wilhite.
Fiercely loyal, independent, and organized, she lived in her own home unassisted until the last 5 months of her life. Dorothy loved her dogs like children. She also loved watching sports, especially tennis and football. Whether walking, shelling, or swimming her greatest love was the beach.
Graduating from Arkansas State Teacher’s College (now UCA) in 1952, she obtained her master’s degree from George Peabody (now Vanderbilt), and finally her doctorate from Texas Women’s University. Dorothy spent many years at Oklahoma State University as Chairperson of the Health Physical Education & Recreation Department, then finished her academic career at UALR in the HPER department. She worked tirelessly for women’s athletics. It should be noted Dorothy died on Women’s Equality Day.
A celebration of life service will be held later. Memorials may go to the Humane Society of Pulaski County or AR Foodbank.