Clarence L. Coleman

Clarence Lee Coleman was born on February 3, 1942, in Kilgore, Texas, to the late Comelis and Artie Mae Coleman.

At an early age, Clarence accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas and began serving in the church. He shared his love of music by playing the piano. Later, his family attended Kilgore Baptist Church, where his faith was nurtured and he continued to share his musical gifts by blessing many with his talent throughout his life.

At the age of seven, Clarence began attending the Texas Blind, Deaf, and Orphan School in Austin, Texas. He went on to graduate high school in 1962, where he also met the love of his life, Rosa Lee. On July 17, 1965, they were united in marriage and built a loving life together for 54 years.

From their union came three children: Anthony Coleman (born 1966), Myra Coleman (born 1968), and Ashanti Coleman (born 1975), who brought immense joy and pride to Clarence’s life.

After high school, Clarence first worked as a masseuse before pursuing higher education. He attended Southwest Texas State College, where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in Sociology. Soon after, he was offered a position with the Texas Commission for the Blind as a Rehabilitation Teacher, which brought him and his family to Houston, Texas. Clarence dedicated more than 28 years of service to the Commission, improving the lives of countless individuals through his work, compassion, and advocacy.

Clarence was a faithful member of Living Word Fellowship Church for 25 years. He was also affiliated with many different churches throughout the city of Houston, where he joyfully shared his gift of music. He deeply loved fellowshipping with his family and friends, and his presence brought warmth and encouragement to those around him. Clarence also enjoyed the simple joys of life—he loved to shop, especially for bowls and water bottles, and he took great delight in trying different brands of water. He was especially fond of baked chicken, which was one of his favorite meals.

Clarence will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and papa, a gifted musician, and a man of strength and perseverance. His life was a testament to faith, love, and resilience.

Clarence departed this life on August 19, 2025, at the age of 83.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Comelis and Artie Mae Coleman; his beloved wife, Rosa Lee Coleman; and his siblings, Frank Coleman, Roger Coleman, Larry Coleman, and Carolyn Coleman.

He leaves to cherish his memory three devoted children: Anthony Coleman of Houston, Texas; Myra Coleman of Houston, Texas; and Ashanti Mitchell of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by six loving grandchildren—Ashton Coleman, Jamal Miles, Denisha Miles, Kelva Miles, Ashlee Coleman, and Jordan Miles—and one precious great-grandchild, Armani Foley. In addition, he is survived by his brothers, James, Calvin, Ladell and Anthony Coleman of Longview, Texas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.