Alisa "Dawn" Smith Coleman's Obituary
Alisa “Dawn” Smith Coleman, 50, of Memphis, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018. Dawn attended Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School and graduated from Central High School, and after attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she received her B.A. and M.A.T. degrees from the University of Memphis. Dawn was a beloved classroom and English as a Second Language teacher at several Memphis schools and also taught abroad in Greece.In addition to her commitment to students, Dawn was well known for her devotion to animals, which she inherited from her mother. Dawn always had rescue pets—even taking in animals she was allergic to—and she was delighted to give them a home and watch them snuggle and play together.Dawn was also a talented stylist with a discerning eye for both interior design and fashion. She had an eclectic style that included beautiful, interesting pieces from her travels and vintage stores, and she took real pleasure in creating a home that showcased her finds. Dawn herself was always “best-dressed” and greatly admired by friends for her personal style, her generosity, and her creativity.Dawn is preceded in death by her parents, Daryl and Mary Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of six years, Russell Coleman, who brought her enormous joy and comfort, her darling dogs, Billy and Nina, aunts Caroline Dyer, Anita Linton and Mary Wymon, cousins Ricky Ballard, Sherrie Gaddie, Brandi Stovall, Corey Smith, Chris Smith, Gina Smith, Shannon Boyter, Brittany Schrupp, Candy Vance, Crystal Huckstep, nieces, Olivia and Rebecca Coleman, nephew, Nathaniel Coleman, and a wide circle of friends in Memphis and across the country who loved her dearly and appreciated her “gentle” critiques of their outfits and hairstyles.The family asks that memorial contributions to be made to the Memphis Humane Society or the ASPCA.The Family will receive relatives and friends from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday, September 9 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The funeral will be on Monday at 10am also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow.
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