Pioneering prosecuting attorney, Roe Ellen Coleman, passed away Monday, July 9th. She was an advocate for women and children, particularly those with special needs. She was an inspiration to a host of professional women, and fiercely challenged gender rolls in the workplace. After retirement, she was an artist and an advocate for women’s rights and children’s wellbeing.
Born in Knoxville, TN, she attended Sequoya Elementary School ,Fairfax Hall in Virgina,, and the University of Tennessee. Earned a BA in special education from Peabody College then a Doctorate of Law from Nashville School of School in 1981 while working for Victim Witness. She was one of the first female Sr. Assistant District Attorneys in Nashville.
Preceded in death by her parents A. Roe Coleman and Adelaide Marks Coleman and brothers Johnny Coleman and Clayton (Barbara Havey) Coleman, she is survived by her children Tiffany Leek, Spencer Leek and granddaughter Isabella Roe Ellen Leek and a host of close friends.
In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Thistle Farms or Harpers Playground.
