Lovell Louis Coleman

Lovell was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on November 16, 1923, to the late John Ashley Coleman and Viva Mae Caldwell Coleman. He was preceded in death by sister Ann Coleman Smith and her husband Vern, brother John Coleman and his wife Ollie, brother Robert Coleman and his wife Ruby, sister Mae Coleman Critzer and her husband Cecil, sister Gene Coleman Schietinger and her husband George, and his late sister-in-law, Geri Coleman, wife of Lovell’s one surviving brother, Pete Coleman of Arlington, Virginia. Pete forever shares an unwavering bond with his brother Lovell.

Lovell leaves behind his devoted wife Edith, who has stood by his side for the past forty years. Edith has supported Lovell as his wife, life partner, friend, co-parent of fifteen children/stepchildren, and “carpenter’s helper” as he completed numerous local Charlottesville building projects. Edith was always there as Lovell pursued his talent as a Master Fiddler. She could be seen clapping, singing, and dancing at his many musical performances, all the while radiating the love they shared.

Many have had the incredible honor of playing music with Lovell. Most notably over the years the Virginia Vagabonds, The Hintonaires (Lovell’s troupe of merry musicians playing well over twenty years for local nursing home residents), Jodie and Friends, and the Lovell Coleman Band. Listen closely, you will hear his music in the breeze.

A brave and honorable man, Lovell Coleman leaves this world as an Army/Air Force veteran of World War II, having served as a gunner with the 491st Bomb Group in England and Okinawa Island, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also proudly carried the title of master carpenter, master fiddler, and devoted Christian.

A documentary of Lovell’s life, “The Ruination of Lovell Coleman”, directed by Ross McDermott, was awarded Best Short Documentary Film at the 2017 Virginia Film Festival.

And, a different documentary of Lovell and his music continues to air on Charlottesville’s Inside-Out on Virginia Public Media ,as hosted and presented by Teri Allard.

Three of Lovell’s children preceded him in death: Lovell Coleman, Jr, Tommy Coleman, and Max Coleman. Remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter Nancy Miller and her husband George, son Mike Coleman and his wife Lisa, daughter Sharon Duffy and her husband Don, daughter Suzanne McDonald and her husband Rick, son Steve Coleman, and son Kenny Coleman and his wife Rose.

Lovell also leaves behind loving stepchildren, Scott Fielding and his wife Wanda, Glenn Fielding and his wife Melissa, Vincent Fielding, Sheila Fletcher and her husband Harry, Dan Fielding and his wife Mary, and Jerry Fielding and his wife Debbie.

And further remaining to his memory are dozens and dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephew, and so many others who have loved and treasured him and will always remember the time shared.

A socially distanced, masked graveside service will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 2pm, at Monticello Memorial Park, also known as Monticello Memory Gardens. The Reverend Edward Hopkins and Lovell’s son Kenny Coleman will officiate at the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Charlottesville/Albemarle Rescue Squad to support the tremendous work they do.

Rest in peace, thy good and faithful servant.