Mrs. Jean Coleman, December 1928 – March 2009, dedicated her life t o the betterment of her community and those around her. Jean is known for her many roles – a wife, mother/grandmother, successful realtor, and businesswoman, but most notably as the founder of Warner Robins Daycare Center dba Cherished Children Education Centers.

In 1965, Jean discovered the lack of affordable childcare in town when an employee she hired to help in her home was unable to find suitable childcare while she worked. She was determined to assist in making a way for single mothers and other working parents with lower incomes to have a safe place for their children while they worked. Through fundraising, asking for donations, and being allotted a space for her center, Jean was able to make her goal a reality. Even through a move due to military transfers and as she battled Parkinson’s Disease in her later years, Jean pushed herself in her dedication t o her beloved center. Cherished Children Education Center now has two locations and has assisted 1,500 children and touched the lives of more than 900 families.

Jean is an example of how one person’s fire and dedication to a cause can spark a group initiative that changes the lives of many. By offering this hand-up, Cherished Children has given lower-income families safe, assessable, and stable childcare that provides them the ability to work and grow in their education and careers. The impact that Jean Coleman has made to this community cannot be overstated.