DeAlva "Dee" Dixon Coleman

DeAlva “Dee” Dixon Coleman passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Born on April 19, 1941, in Dublin, Georgia, Dee was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Austin Dixon (Bennie). She attended Georgia Southern University before launching a modeling career in Atlanta. Her work led her to Los Angeles and New York City, where she modeled for clients including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. While in New York, she studied under renowned makeup artist Way Bandy, further honing her talents in the fashion industry.

On April 21, 1979, Dee married William "Bill" Deal Coleman and relocated to Montgomery, Alabama. There, she founded “The Studio,” a fitness center that became a cornerstone for health and wellness in the community. As both instructor and mentor, she inspired many through her dedication to physical fitness.

Dee was deeply committed to volunteerism. For over fifteen years, she served as co-chair of Montgomery’s Vintage Affair Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society. A devoted animal lover, she also supported the Montgomery Humane Society. Her beloved dog, Punkin, brought comfort to both Dee and Bill in recent years.

Dee and Bill shared a love of travel, especially with friends exploring destinations such as France, Italy, Greece, China, and Africa. They also cherished their time spent at their beach house in Seagrove Beach, Florida.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, William Deal Coleman; sister, Mary Lynn Dixon Anderson (Mac); and extended family including nephew, James Kynerd Coleman, III (Kim) and niece, Ashley Coleman Bates (Reed). She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James Austin Dixon, Jr. (Sherry) and Benjamin Wayne Dixon.

A private service was held on August 15th at Point Washington UMC in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Montgomery Country Club from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. for friends and family of Dee and Bill.

Memorial donations may be made to The Respite for All Foundation, P.O. Box 6178, Montgomery, AL 36106; The Montgomery Humane Society, 1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110; or The American Cancer Society.

May her memory bring comfort and joy to those who knew and loved her.