Rubell Cox Coleman
Sunrise: December 19, 1924 • Sunset: November 30, 2025
Life Overview With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her extraordinary life, we announce the passing of our beloved Aunt Rubell who departed this life peacefully on November 30, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100 years old. Born on December 19th, 1924, in Chicod Township, North Carolina. She was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
For a century, Aunt Rubell graced the world with wisdom, grace, humor, resilience, and love. She lived through generations of change and carried within her the history, stories, and strength of our family. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.
Early Life Rubell grew up in Chicod Township, the youngest of four children born to Rufus and Ava Cox. She attended Pitt County schools, and from a young age, displayed a sociable free spirited personality that would define her life.
Family & Legacy Though she did not have children of her own, she played a vital role in raising, guiding, and loving generations of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family. She was our storyteller, our historian, our encourager, and our example of strength and dignity.
Rubell leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory:
● a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family ● Special Friend: Rose Shirley ● Special Caretakers: her niece Virginia Hemby, nephew in law William Hemby Sr., great nephew William Hemby Jr., great nephew Michael Hemby Sr., great niece in law Jennifer Hemby, Dorthea Jones and Ava Foreman.
She was preceded in death by parents Rufus and Ava Cox, brother Puber Lee Cox, sisters Velma Lee Cox Mills, Hasty Mae Cox Foreman and husband Harry Coleman.
Her Faith & Community A childhood member of Joe's Branch FWB Church and Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. She was also the blockwatch captain of her Brooklyn Neighborhood where she lived for about 45 years.
Career & Accomplishments Rubell worked as a Munitions Handler for the U.S. Army and spent many years as a dedicated seamstress. She was also a supporter of the Civil Rights movement in helping to raise funds for the Freedom Riders. In recognition of her community involvement, she was honored by the State of New York.
Personality & Passions She loved sewing, cooking and baking. Known throughout her neighborhood for her exceptional baking skills, she lovingly made countless cakes for friends, family, and neighbors. She would tell wonderful stories, share cherished cake recipes, and quiet wisdom. Her presence filled every room with warmth, and her advice carried a weight that only a century of living could give.
Celebration of Life A celebration of Rubell Coleman's life will be held on:
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: Viewing – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Service – 11:00 AM
Location: Joe's Branch FWB Church, 9432 NC-43, Vanceboro, NC 28586
Interment: Will follow at Joe's Branch Cemetery
Acknowledgments The family extends heartfelt thanks to caregivers and medical staff for their compassion and support.
Closing Tribute Aunt Rubell lived 100 beautiful years—years filled with purpose, love, endurance, and wisdom. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. We will remember her always.
"A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth." Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV)
