Sarah Annette Coleman

A Life of Love, Service, and Strength.

Sarah Annette Coleman was born at her family home on Williams Street in Roxbury on February 24, 1957, to Arthur Green and Jim-Irish Coleman. Her father, a decorated WWII veteran from Des Moines, Iowa, settled in Boston after being honorably discharged from Fort Devens in 1946. It was in Roxbury's historic "Jazz Corner of Boston" that he met and fell in love with Jim-Irish, who had journeyed from Savannah, Georgia, during the Second Great Migration. Together, they built a love that would last nearly forty years, a partnership built on devotion, laughter, and shared dreams.

From the start, Sarah was surrounded by love. Her parents poured their hearts into creating a home where joy filled every room, and where she always knew she was cherished. Holidays, especially Christmas, were magical times-overflowing with laughter, decorations, and gifts. Friends would marvel at how abundant those moments were, thinking her family must have been "rich," but the real wealth was love. Sarah's generous spirit showed early. She was always eager to share her toys, her time, and her heart.

A proud Roxbury girl, Sarah loved growing up "Down Dudley." She filled her childhood with neighborhood adventures, dance groups with friends, and impromptu animal rescues that sometimes tested her parents' patience but reflected her boundless compassion. Sundays were spent at New Hope Baptist Church with her mother, where her faith and empathy took root.

Sarah attended Boston Public Schools and later built a life grounded in hard work, family, and perseverance. Becoming a young mother, she was determined to create the same kind of home she had grown up in-one filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Sarah never shied away from a challenge. She entered traditionally male-dominated industries with courage and excellence, breaking barriers in construction as one of the first Black women to work on Boston job sites, and later at Boston Gear as a machinist. When a workplace injury led her to change paths, she joined Boston Scientific Corporation, where she spent nearly twenty years rising through the ranks from Quality Assurance Group Leader to Certified Auditor and Senior Sales Support Trainer. Her professionalism, leadership, and technical skill earned her numerous recognitions, promotions, and awards.

After retiring from corporate work, Sarah sought a more direct way to make a difference. Guided by her compassion and desire to serve, she transitioned into human services, working with adults with developmental disabilities. She completed the Human Services Employment Ladder Certificate Program through Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, and for over seven years served with dedication as a Direct Care Professional at the Walnut Street Center in Somerville. There, she was known for her patience, empathy, and deep respect for the people she supported-helping them live full and independent lives.

Education was a lifelong goal for Sarah. She proudly earned her High School Diploma from Don Bosco Technical High School in 1996 — the year before her daughter graduated from college — and went on to complete her Associate Degree.

A Life Filled with Love and Light

Sarah adored her children, whom she affectionately called "My Sunshines." Each of them holds dear the memory of her soft voice singing "You Are My Sunshine", a song that has become a cherished family tradition, now lovingly passed down to her only grandson, Coleman.

Sarah was a radiant light, the kind of person whose smile could brighten any room she entered. She found joy in life's little celebrations-especially during the holidays. Halloween was one of her favorites; she loved dressing up and bringing laughter to everyone around her. But Christmas was truly her season. She would plan for three months, envisioning every detail, and took delight in filling her home with beauty, music, and warmth.

She loved kicking off the holiday season with classic films like Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, and Home Alone, often surrounded by family and friends. The arts always held a special place in her heart, whether enjoying Broadway plays or attending concerts with her daughters and girlfriends. One of her greatest highlights in recent years was attending a Kendrick Lamar concert with her daughter, an experience she talked about with joy and pride.

Above all, Sarah cherished connection. She made time to stay in touch, to check in, and to remind people they were loved. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend-steady, kind, and genuine in every way. Her presence was a gift, and her light will continue to shine through everyone who knew and loved her.

Her Legacy of Love

Sarah leaves to cherish her memory loving daughters, Marisa Luse (Cagen) and Tomisha Coleman (Elmer); adored grandson, Coleman Luse; her precious granddaughter, Caiana Luse Moïse (Jahleel), and former companion of 25 years and devoted friend, Herman. She also leaves behind her devoted sister, Elizabeth M. Riley (Minneapolis), who will be celebrating her 93rd birthday, nieces, Nancey Riley and Ruthann Crim (Derrick), and nephew, Jeffrey Riley, cousins, Julia Groover (Deon) and Judy Smalls (Savannah, GA), godson, Derrick O’Neal (Atlanta), extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Arthur Green and Jim-Irish Coleman, son, Herman Taylor III, and siblings, Donald Hall (Chicago, lL), Melvin Stewart (Minneapolis, MN) Priscilla Davis, (Minneapolis, MN) Eugene Green (Helen - Minneapolis, MN), and William Green (Stoughton, MA), who now welcome her home.

Sarah's life was one of courage, compassion, and care-a reflection of her faith, her family, and her unshakeable belief in love. Her light will never fade; it lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.