Of course, we could cry many tears at the thought that this fierce and fiery woman of great faith is no longer with us in the flesh. But instead, we will celebrate a life that has fueled so much growth, laughter, joy, and memories that will transcend all time.
Ms. Rita Delorais Coleman, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, advisor, and friend, was the oldest of five children born to the late Mr. Willie B. & Grace Willis on May 7, 1946 in Griffin, Georgia. Always exploring her many interests and ever-evolving talents, Rita developed a deep passion for the art of music and working with children. A trained pianist with her own flare, she played for Achaia Baptist Church and Rising Star Baptist Church throughout her teenage years where she also sang in the choir and worked closely with the children’s ministry.
After graduating from Fairmont High School in 1964, Rita embarked upon the next phase of her life and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. As with many young people, she went on an intense journey of self-discovery and before long would meet Mr. Linford Coleman whom she married in 1966. Rita & Linford were married for 20 years, sharing many memorable moments and three beautiful daughters, Wanda Coleman (of Atlanta, GA), Sonia Coleman Stancil (of Chesterfield, VA), and Keesha Coleman (of Atlanta, GA). While time would reveal the need to part ways as husband and wife, the two remained good friends until her passing.
One thing about Rita, she pursued, persisted, and persevered. After adjusting to her new normal in the “big city”, she joined a community church in downtown Atlanta where she continued to hone her skills as a musician and enthusiast for working with young people. She served as the church pianist, sr. director for the Sunbeam Choir, and was later ordained as a minister. With her two oldest daughters venturing into their unique academic endeavors and her youngest in secondary school, Rita carved out time to invest in her goal to work with children in a more academic-centered environment. After completing studies at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, she became an early childhood educator for Bedford Pines Learning Center in 1992 and went on to build a rewarding and decorated career in the profession until her retirement in 2007 from Beacon of Hope Learning Center. Rita had enjoyed 15 great years of working with families in the metropolitan Atlanta area, but needed to focus on her health and being present for her daughters and growing family. The years to come would be met with cultivating passions such as cooking, drawing, traveling, planting & collecting flowers, and delighting in her family.
If you had any encounter with Rita, you’d quickly learn of her unwavering faith in God, the joy she experienced in raising her daughters, and how deeply she cared for others. She was both fire and ice and despite some health challenges over the past several years, she energized every environment with the will to live strong, vibrantly, and at her best!
Having championed her battle with multiple myeloma while successfully managing other chronic conditions, Rita’s strength and progress surpassed the expectations of many of her doctors and specialists. It is because of this that we know for certain her transition to be with God was on her own terms, despite medical indications.
With all that Rita had accomplished and experienced in her lifetime, she considered her family and faith the things that helped her thrive and enjoy every moment of this life. She was a motivator, intercessor, and undoubtedly a fighter. Far from perfect, but the privilege to love her and share her world was so worth it.
Rita is preceded in death by both her parents (Willie B. & Grace Willis); her sisters Jacqueline Willis and Sandra Odom; and God son, Jackie Bernard Little. She is survived by her three daughters (Wanda, Sonia, and Keesha); son-in-law, Curtiss D. Stancil (Chesterfield, VA); sister, Joyce Willis (Griffin, GA); brother, Larry Willis (Griffin, GA); eight grandchildren (Travis Little, Candace Little, Faith Little, Amari Little, Justin Coleman–all of Atlanta, GA.; Curtiss D. Stancil, Jr., Amber Stancil, and Briana Stancil–all of Chesterfield, VA.); three great grand-children (Caylyn Orr, Jordan Little, and Londyn Orr–all of Atlanta, GA); three nieces (Jasmine Thompson (Atlanta, GA), Jessica Colbert and Iyanna Washington (Griffin, GA); one nephew, Michael Willis (Griffin, GA); and a lovely host of other relatives and friends.
As we envision Rita’s journey to eternity, we imagine she’s enjoying beautifully landscaped walks and hikes in perfect health. She has unlimited access to the finest collection of pianos and plays with ease and enjoyment. In this heavenly realm, Rita continues to teach children, cooks delicious spreads, and freely travels to exquisite resorts. She has reunited with those she’s missed so much and now guards us with new wisdom and light.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Rest Well, Queen!
We thank God for sharing you with us for 75 amazing & eventful years. We count it all joy!
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