Lawrence H. Coleman Monograph, 1975 | Sargeant Memorial Collection

A native and lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, Lawrence Herbert Coleman was born on July 9, 1938 to the late Isadore and Bessie (Levin) Coleman. He grew up in Ghent and attended Taylor Elementary, Blair Junior High and Maury High School, class of 1956. He was a member of the last graduating class of the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary in Norfolk, now Old Dominion University) in 1962, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and pursued professional endeavors with a particular interest in local history. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969. He assumed management of Coleman Shoes after the death of his father, he expanded the business with stores and shoe departments throughout the Tidewater area. He was president of the Church Street Business and Professional Association, representing the multiracial group from 1975 to 1979 before multiple governmental agencies including the Norfolk City Council. He was a staunch advocate for the preservation of the historical area. In an effort to pressure the City Council to act, he published a monograph entitled "A Decade of Decay During the Brick and Mortar Administration: A History of Church Street. Subsequently, he served on multiple committees for redevelopment sponsored by the federal government. He was instrumental in having a regional post office located on Church Street. In the latter part of his career, he sold office supplies, engraved stationery, and printing specializing in the legal profession. He was also a longstanding member of the B'Nai Israel Congregation. Lawrence Coleman passed away on April 27, 2020.