Coleman, Mary S. (Mary Stallings), 1914-2001

Battle Creek attorney, justice, later chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.

From the description of Mary S. Coleman papers, 1938-1984. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423354

Mary S. Coleman, born in Forney, Texas, received her BA Degree from the University of Maryland in 1935, and her Juris Doctor Degree from George Washington University in 1939.

After raising two daughters and then practicing law with her husband, Creighton, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Coleman was elected probate and juvenile judge in Calhoun County in 1960. For twelve years, she demonstrated her keen interest in youth by establishing new judicial juvenile procedures. In 1972, she became the first woman to be elected a justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, and in 1979 she received further recognition when her fellow justices elected her chief justice. She ran for and won reelection in 1980, was elected chief justice for a second time, and served on Michigan's high court until her retirement in 1982.

Throughout her judicial career, Judge Coleman gained the respect and admiration of her peers in Michigan and around the country. For several years, she was under consideration for possible appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court; she was the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards; and she was asked to participate in a wide range of professional and non-professional activities.

From the guide to the Mary S. Coleman Papers, 1938-1984, 1972-1982, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)