Carolyn Faye Coleman, 60, passed away on October 20, 2012 at her home in Des Moines, with her devoted sister, Mable, and dear, friends Angela and Susan, at her side. Memorial services will be held 5 p.m. Saturday, October 27 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel with her cremated remains to be scattered later in Virginia.

Carolyn was born January 3, 1952 to Bernetta C. Dunkley and Edward V. Dunkley, Sr. in Halifax County, VA. She was raised in Alexandria, VA and came to Des Moines to attend Drake University and Drake University Law School where she received her JD degree. She was a member of the Iowa Bar Association and served for several years as an attorney with Polk County Legal Aid Society. She was later named an Administrative Law Judge with the State of Iowa and worked in that capacity until her retirement.

Carolyn was dearly loved by her family and friends. She was a movie aficionado and crosswords enthusiast and virtually impossible to beat at Scrabble. An exceptional chef and hostess, she threw lavish dinner parties, and all who were invited knew how privileged they were to be around her table. Her final party was in celebration of her birthday, and her home that night was filled with laughter, love, and dozens of lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother, Edward V. Dunkley, Jr. She is survived by her sisters, Glenda (Garland) Dunkley of Tappahannock, VA; Patricia, Darlene and Maxine Dunkley all of Alexandria; Mable (Alfred) Sullivan of Woodbridge, VA, and brother, William Dunkley of Baltimore, MD. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and devoted friends also mourn her passing.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of the John Stoddard Cancer Center and the Iowa Health team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Legal Aid Society and the American Cancer Society for colon cancer research.