Pamela D. Coleman (Pam) was born on March 20, 1951, to the proud parents Herman J. and Katie B. Gratton. She was the firstborn of five children. Pam was a quiet child who loved to read from an early age. She preferred staying close to home rather than playing outside.

Pam and her siblings learned how to skate in their basement, though they often lost their skate keys. Pam, however, always kept hers safe, wearing it on a string around her neck to avoid losing it. Stories are fondly told about how her siblings’ bicycles showed plenty of use while Pam’s bike remained brand new. The Gratton family first lived on Garfield before moving into their first home on Ashbury, where many wonderful childhood memories were made.

Pam began her education at Doan Elementary in the Cleveland School System. She accepted Christ at an early age. Later, the family moved to Eastwood Lane in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Pam attended Warrensville Heights Junior High and graduated from Warrensville Heights High School in 1970.

After graduation, Pam was employed at Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home, where she discovered her passion for caring for others. With the help of her sister Sharon, Pam began dating. Their father had a rule that Pam, as the eldest, had to date first. Sharon introduced Pam to a young man’s cousin, Kenny, and the two went on a double date. Pam and Kenny became friends and briefly dated.

Later, Pam met Milton Coleman, and in 1972 they married. From this union, one daughter was born, Tara A. Coleman. Pam was a devoted mother who ensured Tara was always loved and cared for. Though Pam and Milton later divorced, they remained close throughout their lives.

Pam built her career as a Nurse’s Aide, working more than twenty years at Highland View Hospital, later a part of Metro Hospital, where she cared for stroke patients with dedication and compassion.

Her life was made complete with the birth of her grandchildren: Charles Jackson III, Teana Jackson, and Tarin Jackson. Pam adored her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grandma Pam.” In time, she was blessed to become a great-grandmother to Xavier, Royalty, Journee, Isaiah, Elijah, and a bonus great-grandson, Dakota. Pam often said that being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother fulfilled her life completely.

As Pam’s health began to decline, she made the decision to move into a nursing facility. She first lived at Grande Oaks in Oakwood Village, where she stayed active, enjoyed outings, and helped other residents. Later, she moved to Jennings in Garfield Heights, where she especially enjoyed her time. Eventually, her health declined further, and she was placed in hospice care during her final months.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., our Heavenly Father dispatched an angel to Jennings Nursing Home with instructions to bring Pamela D. Coleman from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

Pam leaves to forever cherish her memory: her daughter, Tara Coleman (Jeff Harrison); her beloved grandchildren, Charles Jackson III, Teana Jackson (Rontae Wilson), and Tarin Jackson; and her precious great-grandchildren, Xavier, Royalty, Journee, Isaiah, Elijah, and Dakota. She is also survived by her former husband, Milton Coleman; her sisters, Sharon Bufford (Parnell – deceased), Karen Ealy of Kansas, and Wanda Brannon (Gerald); her sister-in-law, Laurie Gratton (Herman – deceased); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Herman J. and Katie B. Gratton; her only brother, Herman J. Gratton Jr.; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who went before her.

“Gone Too Soon”