In Loving
Memory

Catherine Ellis Coleman

March 31, 1932 – October 9, 2021

Catherine Ellis Coleman, 89, of Chesterfield died Saturday, October 9, 2021.  After a long and joyful life, her last few years were a struggle with issues stemming from her osteoporosis and other health concerns.  Catherine passed away peacefully in her sleep in her room at Lucy Corr.

Catherine leaves behind her son, James “Jimmy” Lauck (Stephanie); daughters Tanya Likens and Vanessa Jenkins (David); grandchildren Tamara Nunnally, Trish Cerulli (Andrew), Lauren Mitchell (Knole), Joshua “Josh” Collier (Christian), and Brandon Likens; great-grandchildren, Lucas Nunnally, Leah and Amelia “Amy” Cerulli, and Adley and Knole “Trace” Mitchell; brother W. Frank Ellis; and nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, J. Earl Ellis in March of 2000 and Marion “Ray” Ellis in September of 2021.

Born in Richmond on March 31, 1932, Catherine lived on her Elkhardt Road farm for most of her life.  As a talented seamstress from a young age, she spent countless hours in her sewing shop “Catherine’s Creations” designing and making beautiful garments for her clients, friends, family, and herself.  Almost all of her outfits were handmade with ornate patterns, ruffles, and embroidery.  Catherine had a wonderful career working until retirement as a beloved Chesterfield County school bus driver; she enjoyed driving and could back a bus through obstacle cones at the local ‘school bus roadeo’ with ease!  A whiz with numbers and math, Catherine helped people with their taxes and even did the accounting for the local skating rink for a long time, which led to a family hobby of roller skating.

Catherine also appreciated all of God’s creations in nature; she loved gardening, watching and singing along with the birds, drawing flowers and animals, and anything about butterflies.  Sitting on the swing in her garden and visiting Sunday Park with her grandchildren were some of her favorite pastimes.  Spending time with her family, and seeing it grow was her most favorite thing in the world; her face lit up with pride and joy anytime her grandkids and great grands were around.

Catherine’s cremains will be honored and kept with her children while they take time to mourn, remember, and collect memories and pictures from those who knew and loved her.  A celebration of life service will be planned for the early springtime of 2022.  If you have memories, stories, or pictures to share, please request to join the Facebook group “Remembering Catherine Coleman”.  More information about the details of the future service will be shared there, and the family hopes you will be able to join to celebrate her and the beauty of her life.

Guestbook