Minnie Lee Coleman

Obituary For Minnie Lee Coleman

Minnie Lee Coleman, 90, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at 5:10 a.m. at Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch. Born July 26, 1935, in Havana, Cuba, she was known as Minnie to friends and “Meltia” to family.

Minnie was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched countless lives with her faith, strength, and generosity. She instilled the values of faith, honesty, responsibility, and hard work in her four children.

She is survived by her children: Tony “Greg” Coleman (Tiffany), Preston Coleman, Vivian “Debbie” Sullivan (Vicki), and Elexia “Lexie” Coleman Moss (Jakey); her sister, Willie Mae Blake Sheffield (Horras); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A graduate of Booker High School (Class of 1953), Minnie was a cosmetologist, entrepreneur, educator, and lifelong servant to her community. She was a longtime member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church, where she served as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister, founded the Unity Mass, and was founder and executive director of the St. Martha’s Day Care Center. She also worked with Sarasota County Schools teaching English to migrant children.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, Sarasota, followed by burial at Palms Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Martha’s Catholic Church or the Tidewell Foundation. Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home.