Horace Coleman

Horace Coleman passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2025. After the passing of his wife, Mary B. Coleman, Horace relocated from Arkansas back to Ohio in 2021 to be closer to his children and family. While living in Ohio, he especially enjoyed warm days spent sitting on the porch in his favorite chair, quickly becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the neighborhood.

Horace was born on March 24, 1930, in Blair, South Carolina. As a young boy, he attended Gethsemane School in Fairfield County and was a member of Weeping Mary Baptist Church. Like many during The Great Migration, Horace journeyed north in search of better opportunities. Encouraged by his eldest brother, Roy, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he began building both his family and professional legacy.

He eventually became employed at Michelin Tires, a company he served faithfully for nearly 40 years. Horace took great pride in his work and often insisted that Michelin tires were the best on the market. His commitment and dedication earned him an honorable retirement. In 1979, his job transferred him from Cleveland to Toledo, Ohio, where he settled with his wife, Mildred Coleman (deceased), and their children.

In the early 2000s, while attending a wedding in Toledo, Horace met Mary Brown (deceased) of Arkansas. The two later married, and Horace moved to Arkansas, where they shared a loving life together until her passing in 2021.

Horace was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Coleman Sr. and Mary Hall Coleman; and his siblings, Roy Coleman Jr., John Preston Coleman, Flora Mae Rouse, Frank S. Coleman, Charlie Mitchell Coleman, and Nancy Coleman. The fourth of ten children, Horace served as the patriarch of a wonderful, loving, and blended family.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters: Catherine Coleman of Jersey City, New Jersey; Elizabeth C. Junious of Blair, South Carolina; and Virginia Armstrong (William) of Winnsboro, South Carolina. He is also survived by his children, Anthony Coleman (Sherry) of Williamsburg, Kentucky; Lisa Smith (Bob) of Cleveland, Ohio; and Anita Smith (Curtis) of Blacklick, Ohio. His stepchildren include Johnny Lee Evans (Bernice) of Eatonton, Georgia; Dorothy Evans of Eatonton, Georgia; Mary Denise Evans of Toledo, Ohio; the late Sheryl Evans of Toledo, Ohio; and Shannon Brown of Jackson, Arkansas.

Horace’s legacy also includes a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to honor his memory for generations to come.