Edwina Maria Coleman

Racine– Edwina Maria Coleman, 48, affectionately known as “Ms. Rita”, approached the Heavenly Gates on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 4:02 am while at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Edwina was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 9, 1962 to Earline Freeman and Thomas Smith, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Eris Smith. Edwina moved to Racine in 1974 with her family. Ms. Rita attended Mitchell Middle School and Washington Park High School. She later gave birth to her only child, Xavier Rockette, who she loved dearly and he always held a very special place in her heart. Nothing was greater than this blessing. Edwina also had two step-daughters, Jasmine and Jewel Coleman; and a step-son, Javal Coleman. Edwina was also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Jade Coleman. Edwina worked at Walmart and Piggly Wiggly – Durand Avenue, where she was the most valued employee in the grocery business. Edwina was the happiest “Queen” when she was united in marriage with Mark Coleman on her 47^th birthday, May 9, 2009. Ms. Rita had a heart of gold. She was outspoken, kind-hearted and confident. Edwina was the best-dressed, heel wearing, fast talking, slick walking “Diva” in Racine. She leaves behind her husband, Mark A. Coleman; her very loving, caring, and amazing gift from God and wonderful son, Xavier Rockette; step-daughters, Jasmine and Jewel Coleman of Atlanta, Georgia; step-son, Javal Coleman of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Elois (J.W.) Martin; brother, Fred Kelly Jr., both of Chicago, Illinois; two special grandchildren, Xzaundria and Xzayashae; special nieces, Martinique Frazier, Lafiya Borrell, and Shaniqua Griffith; special nephew, Marquan Gardner; sisters-in-law, Angela (Earl) Booker, Rosemary (Prentice) Coleman, Robin (Sidney) Lawton, Phynell (John) Branch, Kari (Jimmie) Henderson, all of Racine; and Sandra Bray of Washington, D.C.; brothers-in-law, Samuel Griffin, Darrell (Mary) Coleman and Terron Coleman, all of Racine; aunts, Betty Hardy of Birmingham, Alabama; Sandra Freeman of Detroit, Michigan; and Florence Barker of Racine; uncles, Tony, Reggie (Roslin), Howard, Arnold, Otis Freeman, all of Detroit, Michigan; and Archie Gandy of Racine; special cousins, Jamie Greer and Belinda Mullins; special friends, Marilyn “Mak” Kulig and Camilla Ruffalo; God-brother, Tony Blackwell; and God-sisters, Dollie Cannon and Delestine (Phil) Kidd. Edwina also leaves many other special relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. Edwina was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Matilda Coleman; father-in-law, Clyde Coleman; nephew, Jerry Martin; aunts, Adell Billups and Barbara Freeman; uncles, Edward “Sticks”, Wesley, Arthur, Louis and John Henry Freeman; and a very special friend (of whom is the father of her beloved son, Xavier), Johnnie Rockette. The family wishes to thank Edwina’s physician, Dr. David Ross; emergency physician, Dr. Deuster; nurses, Tim and Stephanie; cardiologist, Dr. James Tierney; ICU physician, Dr. Boye; and the rest of the loving staff at Wheaton Franciscan for their care and compassion. A Homegoing Celebration will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 1 pm with Rev. Chester Williams officiating. In accordance with Ms. Rita’s wishes, cremation will follow the services and interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 12-1 pm.