Dr. Viola Coleman was the first Black Female Doctor in Midland, TX. She was a 1949 graduate of Meharry Medical School, in Nashville, TN. Born in New Iberia, LA, as Viola Mary Johnson, she completed high school at age 15, and attempted to gain admission into Louisiana State University. She was denied because of the Jim Crowe laws of segregated schools including Public Institutions of higher learning. Ms. Johnson filed a complaint through the NAACP, with a copy being sent to young attorney, Thurgood Marshall. Nonetheless, her case was not won. Viola went on to complete her undergraduate studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and after graduation spent some time teaching at Grambling University. She completed her medical program at Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN in just four years, and completed her residency in Coney Island, NY. Later, Dr. Johnson practiced medicine in Fort Worth, TX. Her friendship with another Black Doctor in Fort Worth, Dr. E. L. Dorsey directed her and her husband to the medical facility in Midland, TX, because of a recent request he had received from the Trustees at Midland Memorial Hospital. She and her husband were planning to continue to California, but considered the possibility presented to her from Dr. Dorsey. Dr. Dorsey had also had an unfortunate experience attempting to perform as a Doctor in New Iberia. He was now a very successful Doctor in Fort Worth, and the operator of his own hospital which served Black patients in the Black downtown commerce area, known as Dorsey Hospital. Dr. Dorsey suggested that Dr. Coleman consider the offer; which she did, and her medical practice in Midland was history making. She practiced medicine right up until her death; insisting on serving patients who needed her. As part of Dr. Coleman’s legacy it is an exciting feeling to walk into Midland Memorial Hospital, where a bronze bust of Dr. Coleman uses a caring eye and welcomes each visitor to the hospital. Her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Coleman, and their daughter, Dr. Viola Coleman witnessed the unveiling of the bust. The city of Midland has also honored Dr. Coleman with a school and a medical clinic named in her honor. Dr. Coleman passed away on October 12, 2005, and has left a lifetime of good-will to her beloved city of Midland. 43
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