Rosalyn LaCoya Coleman
May 11, 1988 – March 9, 2007
Biographical Sketch

“A Glimpse of Heaven …”

In his infinite wisdom and divine orchestration of life as we know it, our Father sometimes allows us to experience brief representations of our Heavenly home.  Indeed, it appears that God rendered to us such a representation via the life of Rosalyn LaCoya Coleman, affectionately referred to as “Miss Lynn” by family and friends. Rosalyn was keenly aware of the magnitude and depth of the love that she received from her family, her friends and many others who may have been graced by her presence. In her own unique manner, Rosalyn possessed the ability to love unconditionally.  Just as nothing will separate us from the love of Christ, those of us who were touched by Rosalyn’s effervescent persona will never be separated from, nor cease to cherish,  the precious memories of Rosalyn and the impact of her life and the legacy of  “true” love that is now entrusted to our care.

In the midst of the inevitable trials and tribulations of daily life, Rosalyn was a steadfast and unmovable beacon of light.  Through her unwavering faith in God and her willingness to seek and embrace His divine influence in her own life, she was as a tree planted near the water, rooted in the immortal strength of His promises and faithfulness for those who love Him and are called by His name.  Glory to God in the Highest, for he allowed us to get a “glimpse” of heaven through Rosalyn’s  faith,  her beautiful spirit and the manner in which she appeared to have access to an infinite reservoir of positive energy that was evident in her willingness to reach out to those around her in so many capacities.  As a child of God, and a “ shining star” amidst a world that is all too often filled with darkness, Rosalyn  had the unbridled freedom to soar as with wings of an eagle.  Clearly, as is evidenced by the manner in which she approached her life, she did just that.  Those of us who were touched by Rosalyn count it as a distinct privilege to continue to nurture the seeds of love, hope, authenticity, and immeasurable joy that she so diligently tended for as long as God will allow us to do so.

Family/Personal Data

Rosalyn, the youngest child of Rickey and Mary Coleman, was born on May 11,1988 in Silver Springs, MD. For Rosalyn, family relationships were very important. This was exemplified in the active role that she played in encouraging family members to be the “best of the best” and live life to its fullest with every opportunity provided. Always eager to provide that helping hand through words of encouragement and generous acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, she gave selflessly to her family in ways that only Rosalyn could. Her sense of humor was a salient component of her bright personality, and the laughter generated in this manner has left bittersweet memories that live on as testimony to the possibilities that life offers when we choose to allow our genuine selves to shine through.

Spiritual Life

Rosalyn accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized in Key West, FL at the Keys Community Church at the age of 8.  With an enthusiastic exuberance, Rosalyn accepted her mission of being a witness for the Lord through her involvement at Mt. Carmel Ministries, Vicksburg, MS.  From the inception of her joining with the Mt. Carmel family in January of 2004, Rosalyn touched the hearts of many through her participation in the Youth Ministry, as a loyal choir member, and as Interim Choir Director for a brief period in 2005.  Rosalyn’s love for God and for her Mt. Carmel family was readily observable to all who knew her.

Her Love of Music/Singing

Rosalyn’s passion for singing and her talents in the area of music were further exemplified in her participation in the Warren Central High School Women’s Choir. She also served as a member of the Publicity Crew for the musical production, “Annie” in 2004, and assumed the role as the Head of the Publicity Crew for the musical production,  “Hello Dolly” in 2005.  Along these lines, Rosalyn’s  selection as a member of the distinguished Warren Central High Madrigals provided yet another avenue for the culmination of her inherent love of music and its value as a form of  artistic expression and as a vehicle by which she could share her talents with others.

Traveling across the USA and internationally with her family afforded Rosalyn an opportunity to acquire a diverse and multi-faceted education that included attendance at the following educational institutions:

  • Little Angels  Pre-School and Memorial Baptist in Killeen, TX.
  • Sigsbee Elementary School in Key West, FL.
  • Seoul America Elementary, Seoul, Korea.
  • Patton Junior High School, Leavenworth, KS.
  • Northside High School, Warner-Robbins, GA

Pursuit of Academic Excellence

Rosalyn had an enduring thirst for knowledge that led to the attainment of numerous academic accolades and accomplishments.  Some of her academic awards and honors include, but are not limited to:

  • Induction into Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics Honor Society), 2005
  • Induction into National Honor Society, 2004
  • Induction into Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 2005
  • Induction into the National Society of High School Scholars, 2005
  • Ranked number 7 of 226 in Warren Central High School graduating Class of 2006.
  • Recipient of academic achievement awards in the following areas: English II, Geometry, Spanish I, English III, and Physical Science
  • Magna Cum Laude graduate of Warren Central High School, 2006
  • Acceptance into Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, Fall 2006 as a Presidential Scholar.
  • Dean’s List Scholar, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, Fall 2006

Involvement in Community Service/Social Awareness Efforts

While a student at Warren Central High School, Rosalyn was actively involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities that enhanced her social and civic development and provided avenues for expression of her compassion and concern for others.  These activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Member of Crème de la Crème Girls Club ( 2003-2006)
  • Debutante, Les Soeurs Charmantes 34th Annual Debutante Ball, 2006
  • Volunteer Worker at Mississippi Blood Organization, 2004
  • Volunteer Tutor for Vicksburg Family Development ( 2003-2006)

As a designated Presidential Scholar, Rosalyn entered Tougaloo College in the fall of 2006, as a member of the Freshman Class of 2010.  Choosing a major in economics with an emphasis on accounting, Rosalyn rapidly acclimated to life at the “Loo” and was extremely pleased with her decision to become a member of the Eagle Queen family.  She was an active member of the Gospel Choir and had aspirations to pursue a career in the area of business/accounting.

Rosalyn LaCoya Coleman Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Post Office Box 822723 * Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
macoleman7@aol.com