Wayne County Commission reads memorial and shares tributes for Commissioner Irma Clark Coleman

The Wayne County Commission on June 11 read a memorial resolution and heard multiple tributes to Commissioner Irma Clark Coleman, who died June 10, 2025. Commissioners and public officials described Coleman’s decades of public service in county government, the Michigan Legislature and Detroit schools.

County Executive Warren Evans addressed the commission and called Coleman a lifelong public servant, saying, “All I ever heard her say was remember we're here for people. Remember, we're here for the people.” Commissioners shared personal remembrances, recalling Coleman’s mentoring, advocacy for workers and longtime local ties. Speakers specifically cited Coleman’s service on the Detroit Public School Board, two terms in the Michigan House, eight years in the Michigan Senate and election to the Wayne County Commission in 2010.

Madam Chair read the commission’s formal in-memoriam resolution into the record. The resolution summarized Coleman’s career — first joining county government in 1967, serving in public information and county executive offices, leading the Detroit Public School Board, and serving in the Legislature before her election to the commission — and listed surviving family. The memorial noted services are scheduled for June 30 (viewing) and July 1 (service) with the main service at Second Ebenezer Church.

Commissioner Scott moved the memorial resolution and Commissioner Kinloch supported it; the commission adopted the resolution by voice vote. Following the vote the commission played a short video montage prepared by staff and adjourned.

Multiple commissioners and community leaders joined remarks on the chamber floor and in the public record, calling Coleman a “feisty” and tireless advocate for constituents and noting her long record of mentorship to other elected officials.