Obituary of Manila Coleman

Manila Leslie Coleman was born on one of the coldest winter days of the century on February 7, 1947 in froggy bottom better known as downtown in Camden NJ to the late Thomas and Gladys Coleman. Manila name came from a request by her eldest brother Elwood who was away in the military in Manila when she was born. Manila was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to her parents.  Manila who was affectionately known as Chee Chee  was educated in the Camden city school district.  Chee Chee was a believer in Christ and nurtured in Little Rock Baptist Church as a child. She was a believer who frequently read her bible that was kept on her night stand. At an early age Chee Chee worked at Macys until she was employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital as a surgical tech and later environmental services where she retired in 2011. Chee Chee had a kind soul and gentle spirit and will always be remembered by her smiling face, signature laugh, and loving to dance.  Her doors were always open to everyone and you could always get a meal when you came on Chase street. Chee loved to cook and was a master at baking. She loved baking for family and friends especially during the holidays with hundreds of cook books she would often share recipes with everyone but never the secrets to her potato salad. Chee Chee was well known and loved by all. She lived her life to the fullest for her children, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren until her last day. Chee Chee brought a home for her children and 1269 Chase street was a judgment free home with abundance of love and laughter that was open to everyone. May 12, 2024 Chee Chee was surrounded by family on Mother’s Day as she ate, sang, danced, laughed and reminded everyone how much she really enjoyed her Mother’s Day. On Monday May 13, 2024 Chee Chee last moments were spent with her great grandson Lyron as she seen him off to school. She came downstairs to her favorite spot on the couch, closed her eyes and entered into eternal rest.  Chee Chee was preceded in death by her life long partner Frank Robinson & 12 siblings. She leaves to cherish her memories her four children Barbara (Teddy) Jones, John Coleman, Vincent (Marlin) Coleman & Brian Coleman. Sixteen grandchildren: Stephion, Racheema, Aimir, Nina, Erica, Keith (Lauren), Whitney, Alisha, Brian, Bionca, Rashad (Melissa), Jasmine (Bryan), Nafessa, Olivia, Vincent jr, and Anyea. 30 great grand children and 2 great great grandchildren. Last surviving sister Ruth (Ronald) Thomas, one god daughter Mikala (Keith) Green ,special daughter Charlotte Robinson, bonus grandson Terrance Carol, life long sister~friend Ida Allen, special niece Dwynn Coleman, special nephew Gene (Liz) West, a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.