Aldine F. Coleman

Aldine Franklin was born in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on May 28, 1949. She was the eldest of four children from the union of Deacon Edward and Mrs. Anna Louise Franklin. Aldine and her siblings grew up in a closeknit community of Whitaker before moving to Homestead. At an early age, she attended Morning Star Baptist Church in Whitaker before joining Second Baptist Church in Homestead, PA in the eighties. She was a 1967 graduate of West Mifflin High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. After high school she received her Bachelor's Degree in Comprehensive English from the Pennsylvania State University, then earned her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She continued her education and in 1984 she received her Secondary Principal's certification also from the University of Pittsburgh. Aldine began teaching World Drama and Speech in 1971 for the Homestead School District, which later became Steel Valley School District. She also taught English, Gifted and Talented Education, Creative Arts, Black Literature, Black History, and Creative Writing during her tenure at the district. During the 1990-1991 school year, Aldine was appointed as the part-time high school assistant principal. In the fall of 1991 she became principal of Woodlawn Middle School then had an opportunity to become the principal at Steel Valley Senior High School in 1993. in 2001, Aldine was appointed the Coordinator of Special projects, which included Title 1 and numerous grant writing projects for the Steel Valley School. While at Steel Valley School District, she was involved in the Crisis Management Team, Strategic Planning Committee, Labor Management Prayer Breakfast, a member of the Student CORE Team, Leadership Pittsburgh, World Wise Schools program and the School Site Leadership Committee.After her retirement in 2004, Aldine kept active and served as program director of MUSA. Her time at MUSA was spent organizing, guiding, advising as well as teaching both young adults and toddlers. Among her many roles and accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. Aldine Franklin was united in marriage to Eddie H. Coleman on May 29, 1971. From this union, two children were born, Kai and E. Langston. During her 43 years of marriage, she spent time with her family traveling to various places such as Africa, Spain, St. Thomas, California, Arizona, Maryland, South Carolina to name a few. Often her travels were family related, but all were special and unique. Her family grew with the addition of 5 grandchildren, with whom traveled, loved, and spent lots of time with their "Peanut", In addition to her personal and professional life, she had a very important relationship with the Lord. She was a member of Second Baptist Church serving the Lord. She was active in both the J. D. Morton Missionary Society and the Pastor's Aide. Aldine also participated in Sunday School, was a teacher during Vacation Bible School as well as partaking in other numerous committees. Her outside affiliations include the Harmony Club of Homestead, Amachi, AUBA, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. On January 24, 2015, the Lord called Aldine Coleman home. She is preceded in death by her father, Deacon Edward Franklin. She leaves to cherish her memory beloved husband, Eddie; children: Kai (Clarence) and Langston; mother, A. Louise; brothers: Edward Lane and E. Steven; sister, Luann (Joseph); grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and dear friends.

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Aldine F. Coleman

May 26, 1949 - January 24, 2015