Rose Lee Coleman, 92, of Hamden, entered eternal rest on October 3, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Garfield Coleman, Jr.

Born on April 15, 1934, in Whitakers, North Carolina, Rose was the daughter of the late Walter E. Williams and Essie Mabry Williams.

After moving to New Haven at a young age, she attended New Haven Public schools and graduated from Hillhouse High school in 1953. Before her retirement, she was employed as a salesperson at the former Saxony Coat Company and Horowitz Brothers for 25 plus years.

Rose was a longtime and faithful parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Church in New Haven.

She loved walking and would walk at the track daily, rain or shine with a group of strangers who became friends because of their commitment to walking at the track each day at 6:00 AM. She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, while enjoying a glass of wine. Her warmth, quick wit, and spirited nature made her a joy to be around.

Rose leaves behind to cherish her memory: her daughter, Geraldine Dotson; her son, Ronald T. Coleman (Alice); and her eight grandchildren, Jamar Davis, Sheritta Davis, Garren Davis, Brandon Davis, Evan Dotson, Natasha Dotson, Timothy Coleman, and Jared Coleman. She is also survived by her three great-grandchildren, Jordan Dotson, Julian Dotson, and Teddy Mertz; sisters in-law, Ellwood Jean Coleman and Ann Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

In addition to her beloved husband, Rose was predeceased by her daughter, Theresa Davis; her brother, Henry Williams; and her sister, Rebecca Benford; cherished cousins, Bernice Mabry and Ward “WC” Williams, sister in-law, Rosemary Ellis; her brother in-law, Harry Coleman; a niece Rita Ellis Thorpe; and her nephews, Keith Shon Rodgers, Marvin Wilson and Dennis Benford.

A memorial service celebrating Rose’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight Street, New Haven, Connecticut.