Coletta Adams McDonald, a native Houstonian, became a Kashmere Rams Cheerleader over fifty years ago under the direction of Ms. L. Bailey. Coletta was already a member of the drill team when she decided that she wanted to become a cheerleader. After watching the cheerleaders, she knew that was where she wanted to be.  Full of energy and spirit, Coletta was excited to be a part of the team, but more importantly, excited to be charged with getting her fellow classmates involved with cheering for the Rams.  While a cheerleader in 1966, the Kashmere Rams went on to becoming district champions for the first time.

After graduating high school, Coletta entered the work force and began her career with Southwestern Bell.  At Southwestern Bell, Coletta started as an operator. It was one of the few positions that African American women could do with the company. During the Civil Rights movement, a few opportunities became available and Coletta took advantage and became a Fraud Investigator for about 10 years.  As a mother of two, Coletta pursued more opportunities with the company to advance in her position and income. Challenging the status quo of the male dominated position of an installation repair person, Coletta had to learn about electronics and how to climb those telephone poles to complete repairs.  This position was very rare among African-American women back in the mid-80s.  Witnessing the progress of communication and the merging with AT&T, Coletta continued with the company until retiring over forty years later in November of 2009.   Her entire work history was from one company!

Coletta accepted Christ at an early age, and has been very active throughout her entire life.  Singing has always been her passion, and she can often be heard singing a song in a falsetto soprano tone.  As a member of Progressive Mount Herman Baptist Church in Kashmere Gardens, she began her “singing” career, being one of the top church vocalists.  She was also a founding member of the “Christian Harmonettes”, which was a women’s gospel quartet group in the late 60s that lasted throughout the 70s.  Once she moved her membership to New Hope Baptist Church, she continued being one of the top vocalists, as well as being one of the founding members/matrons of the community choir called “Inspirational Voices for Christ”.  As a member of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Willie Jones, Coletta grew in her devotion to Christ while dedicating her life to working at the church. Coletta has worked in various ministries for over 30 years, participating in the choir, praise team, and praise dance team. She was also a Youth Program Director and worked with the Children’s Ministry to develop young talent and present plays to the church. Her most recent role is working in the church’s food bank helping to serve those who need a helping hand.

Coletta is the proud mother of James Hill (Phylicia Jones Hill) and Mia McDonald Mitchell (Alfred Mitchell) and the grandmother of Reneisha Hill Johnson (DoMario Johnson), Jamee Hill, Phillip Hill, Jacara Mitchell, Brooke Mitchell, and Adam Mitchell.

Coletta Adams McDonald is honored and appreciative to be recognized as a Kashmere Former Athlete Association Ring of Honor  inductee.