Rita Coleman Denis

Rita “Sweetie” Coleman Denis passed away on January 27, 2023 at 60 years old. She was born in 1962 in Washington DC to Hazel T. Coleman and James G. Coleman. Rita grew up in the DC Metro Area with her sisters and brother. As a child she was known to be kind, loving and warm with everyone she met, traits which earned her the nickname ”Sweetie.” She graduated from Springbrook Highschool in 1982. As an adult Rita loved photography and moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a photographer. She truly found herself in California and would often share stories of the great times she had there. Eventually, she returned to the DC area to start a family. Rita would go on to have four children; her eldest Tomehka was born in 1984, followed by Sean in 1988, Justin in 1995 and Tytus in 1999. Rita worked for the FBI doing document scanning and worked as a merchandiser before her health started to decline. Rita was also an entrepreneur; she ran her own home daycare for several years. Rita had a very warm spirit that children in particular gravitated to. Rita’s health started to decline in her late 30’s but that never stopped her from living. She was so determined to live life on her own terms. Even after she was diagnosed with Lymphoma she did her best to find something positive to cling to. She could find the good in any situation – something so many of us admire about her. Rita was predeceased by her brother Governor Coleman. She is survived by her Mother Hazel T. Coleman, father James G. Coleman and Stepmother Phyllis Coleman. Her children Tomehka Ettinoffe, Sean Denis, Justin Coleman and Tytus Coleman. Her grandchildren Louie, Malcolm, Aubriella, Langston and Paolo. Her sisters Jackie, Carol Ann, Brenda, Sheila, Donna and Erica. Her stepsiblings Karen, Tammy, Tawanna and Myron. Her best friend Belinda and so many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, adopted family and countless friends who loved her. There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, February 25th from Noon until 3:00 p.m. for Rita at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA. Rita’s favorite poem was Footprints in the Sand. It’s a lovely poem about a man who is going through hard times and looks down to see that there is only one set of footprints in the sand when there are usually two -his and God’s. The man asks God why He’s left him to carry this burden alone and God replies, ”I haven’t left you, those times when you looked down to see only one set of footprints are the times I carried you through the hard times.” This poem is not only a testament to Rita’s unwavering faith but a great reminder that she hasn’t left us after all, and when times get rough she’ll still be there carrying us to brighter days. Many thanks to everyone who has reached out to support our family through this difficult time.

Rita Coleman Denis

June 13, 1962 - January 27, 2023