Rosa Coleman

With gentle grace, Mrs. Rosa Nell (Jackson) Coleman was called home to be with the Lord in the early morning of March 23, 2026, at Bay City Comfort Care Center. Surrounded by her family, she departed this life at the age of 87 years, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rosa was born on September 12, 1938, to Booker T. Sr. and Rosa Lena (Evans) Jackson in Marion, Alabama. Rosa Nell, or “RoNell” as her husband would often call her, married Russell Coleman Sr. on November 14, 1954, and to this union were born seven children: Russell Coleman Jr. (Verna), Robert Lawrence, Linda Marie (Richard), Michael Craig (Rose), Mary Jane, Larry James (Janice), and Stacey Allen. Rosa was the matriarch of our very large family, including 23 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Whew!

Rosa worked as a nurse aide for many years at what was formerly known as The Home for the Aged before retiring. She was known for making the most delicious meals, and there was always enough for anyone who stopped by to make themselves a plate. Rosa was also well known for her beautiful green eyes or "cat eyes" as her brother Sonny often teased, as brothers do. Her family and friends will miss those beautiful green eyes, but we will always have sweet memories of Rosa.

A beloved sister, Rosa Nell, was also known as "Baby Sister " to her siblings Kathryn (James) Owens, Brenda (Tyrone) Sanders, and Cheryl Greene. She loved them all so much.

Also left to cherish her memory is a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, as well as her dear sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Owens (Saginaw), DeMary Burns, and Bessie Gordon (Las Vegas).

Rosa was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Coleman Sr.; two of her dear sons, Robert Lawrence and Larry James; parents, Booker T. Sr. and Rosa Lena Jackson; siblings, Frederick Sr., Ruby, Booker T. Jr. (Sonny), James, and Edward.

Special acknowledgement to the staff at Edgewood, Bay City Comfort Care, as well as a special thank you for the care and concern provided by the staff at Primary Home Health Care and Saginaw County Pace.