Deaconess Ella Ruth (Williams) Coleman

The Life & Legacy of Deaconess Ella Ruth Williams Coleman

 I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days

I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun

of happy memories that leave when life is done.

       Deaconess Ella Ruth Williams Coleman, daughter of the late James Carey and Mattie Ann Williams, left this earthly realm on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Richmond, Virginia, after an extensive battle with Sarcoidosis, Lupus and Renal failure. Ella was introduced to the earth on December 19, 1952, in Emporia, Virginia.

     It would be wrong to say that Ella lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Ella stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight.

     Though Ella’s health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain.

     Ella started her journey by accepting Christ as her Savior and was baptized at 11. She was a faithful member of Mars Hill Baptist Church until her health declined. Ella loved her church family. She sat on several boards and accepted the duties as a Deaconess, usher, and church secretary.

      Ella was educated through the Greensville County Public School System in Emporia Virginia graduating in 1971. She played basketball and the clarinet for the marching band. She always expressed the joy and excitement she had with her classmates especially with her life-long friend Diane Moore. Her favorite teacher and coach was Rachel P. Young. After graduation, Ella continued her education by studying at Washington Technical Institute in Washington D.C. majoring in Computer Science and Social Science. She later attended Kennedy Western University. She was employed with Town and Country Relators in Maryland as an Office Manager, Substitute Teacher with Greensville County Public School System, United States Census Bureau, and a Supervisor of Darden Cottage with Jackson-Feild Episcopal Home.

     On November 02, 1974, Ella was joined in holy matrimony to George W. Coleman (Emporia, VA). Ella was a military wife and traveled abroad with her husband. During that time she was trained in dentistry and with the Red Cross at George Air Force Base. Through that union they conceived two beautiful children, Christopher Lee and Angela Renae Coleman both of Emporia, Virginia. Ella loved and would do any to everything for her children. She was an active mother and played a major role in their lives. Ella would travel weekly from Maryland to Virginia just to provide for them. She was more than a mother; she was also their friend. Ella and her children enjoyed playing board games and would have weekly Scrabble, Monopoly and Uno competitions. She didn’t go far without one of them by her side.

      As a pastime, she spent countless hours on the phone with her sisters, friends and family. This woman loved to shop!! It didn’t matter if it came a consignment shop, grocery store or a high end retailer. Ella love being around family and supporting them however she could. She took the role of a guardian for some of her nieces and nephews. She was a grandmother of three and would spoiled them when she could.

      Ella was the youngest of ten children and was preceded in death by seven siblings (Robert, James, Helen, Anna, Adell, Mary and Earl)

      Ella was a resilient, heartfelt and God-fearing woman. She had a heart of gold and intelligent personality. She was admired by all who she came in contact with and will be remembered as a beautiful soul. She love to laugh and you knew that she was always one phone call away.

      To cherish her memory she leaves: her husband, George Wayne Coleman; her devoted and caring children, Christopher and Angela Coleman all of Emporia; three grandchildren, Caleb Isaiah Pestilli of Mt. Jackson, VA, Cassidy Kimora Coleman of Winchester, VA and Bryson James-Washington Coleman of Emporia, VA; two sisters, Ida Mae Wyche (Edward) of Emporia, VA and Cathryn Jane Odom of Jarratt, VA; two aunts, Mary Briggs of Petersburg, VA and Bertha White of Dallas, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Williams of Emporia, VA and Peggy Williams of Richmond, VA; four close friends, Linda Davis, Brenda Drumgoole and Veronica Bonner all of Emporia, VA and Diane Moore of Richmond, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and former co-workers.

     Ella was loved by many and her legacy will live on.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Deaconess Coleman's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Deaconess Ella Ruth Williams Coleman.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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