Members of Clark United Methodist Church, and the friends and family of Mrs. Helen Dinis-Coleman celebrated her 100 years of life at the church in mid June.
Every second Sunday, Clark recognizes those who celebrate birthdays during month. The same celebration happened on the second Sunday of June with a ‘little extra.’
As the June birthdays were recognized, Martha Rucker led the way as presentations were made for the oldest member celebrating that month.
\Mrs. Coleman was born on June 16 and was pleased to celebrate her birthday with her Clark family. She was given special tributes, including a dedicated song, ‘If I Can Help Somebody,’ sung by Paula Chavis, and a bouquet of roses.
Mrs. Coleman always sought to be of service to her family and community. She worked in the public school system in Jackson, Mississippi teaching 5th grade children for 14 years at Mary C. Jones Elementary School. During the last four years of her tenure, she served as chairperson for 5th grade.
In 1963, she came to Nashville with her husband at Tennessee State University.
Upon her arrival to Nashville, she joined Clark Memorial United Methodist Church and was employed by Tennessee State University as the director of the Curriculum Laboratory for seven years. She later became the librarian at the Brown-Daniel Library where she was assistant director of the Reference Department.
“Many of those students do not fail to pay tribute to Mrs. Coleman for their successes to this day,” said celebration coordinators. She retired from TSU in 1981 to become a tutor for her grandchildren.
“Today Mrs. Coleman’s children, grand children, great grandchildren and friends are here to join her in celebrating her 100th birthday, showing their gratitude and love which she has offered and still offers to this day and to say ‘thank you’ for being you.”
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
During the 10:45 worship services, following the brief presentation, Rev. Herbert Lester graciously acknowledged the morning’s sermon had been preached through the life of one who has accomplished a century of life’s experiences.
He then led the congregation in receiving communion as a special request from Mrs. Coleman, in celebration of her birthday.
