Cathy Elaine Coleman, 71, of West Portsmouth, peacefully passed into the hands of her Lord on July 4, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. She was born on January 14, 1954, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late William Conley and Margaret Pauline (Noel) Conley.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Doug Coleman, whom she married on August 16, 1969, in Portsmouth, her brother, William T. “Tim” Conley and her little dog “Packer”.
Cathy worked for many years at Boone Coleman Construction. After the passing of her husband, she felt a renewed calling—to carry on his legacy and vision for Scioto County. With deep dedication to the community they both loved, she ran in his stead and faithfully served as a Scioto County Commissioner ever since. In that role, she became a tireless advocate for the people—especially the children—of Scioto County. She believed every child should be cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive, and she used her position to champion programs and initiatives that reflected that belief. Her service was grounded in compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to the future of the community.
A proud resident of West Portsmouth, Cathy was a longtime member of Nauvoo Methodist Church and carried her strong faith into every role she played in life including serving two terms on the Washington-Nile School board. But her most cherished role was that of “Nana.” To many, “Nana” simply means grandmother—but to Cathy, it meant being a source of love, support, and warmth to everyone who needed her. Whether by blood or bond, she was Nana to countless people, and she loved each of them as her own.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Tracy (Scott) Bauer; her grandchildren, Brooke (Roger) McNutt and Brennan (Breanna Bricker) Bauer; her brother, Michael (Kimberly) Conley; her sister, Beverly (Steve) Mignerey; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and all those who proudly called her “Nana.”
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 11, 2025 at Nauvoo Methodist Church in West Portsmouth with Pastor Pete Shaffer officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park. Friends may call from 2 to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth and one hour prior to the service at the church.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SOMC Hospice or Nauvoo Methodist Church in Cathy’s name. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.
