James D. Barrett Funeral Home and Cremation

With heavy hearts the children of Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr announce the passing of their beloved father. Winston, a pillar of strength and independence, peacefully passed away at the age of 99, just two months before he would have celebrated his centennial milestone. He departed this world leaving behind a legacy etched in determination and resilience. Born March 21, 1924 in Elmira, NY to the late Floyd Winston Sr. and Rosabelle Coleman, the oldest of four children. A graduate of Elmira Free Academy. Winston served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946, earning the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer. Upon his return he met Sarah (Rosie) Jackson-Coleman, married in 1950, and together they raised three children. Upon his return, he was employed by Remington Rand in Elmira, New York, for 26 years, and then for 15 years by the Elmira Psychiatric Center, where he retired from. After retirement, Winston kept busy taking an active role in helping raise his grandchildren, as well as numerous leadership positions with his beloved Elks and even took up part-time jobs with the U.S. Census Bureau and Barton’s Senior facility for many years. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following his teams, including the Buffalo Bills, The New York Knicks, and the Syracuse Orangemen. Winston was an active member of New York's Improved Benevolent and Pro-Justice Order of the Queen City Elks Lodge No. 174, holding for 25 years the title of longest-serving Grand District Deputy for Central New York, during this time, he earned numerous awards and accolades including the 1991 Leadership Award from the National District Deputies Council, the Exalted Meritus Service Award in 1996, the New York State Association's 1999 Elk of the Year Award, the 2004 Leadership Award from Past Exalted Rulers Council No. 125, and the Service Award for 62 years of Elkdom service by Central New York Council No. 125 as well as the Queen City Lodge No. 174 in 2011; in addition, he was the recipient of the New York State Association's inaugural Earl Chapman Award in 2012; awarded the status of DD/GER Emeritus by the New York State Daughters of Elks in 2015, the Willie Mae Morrissette Ladies of Distinction Luncheon “Special Awardee'' by the New York State Daughter Elks of the World in 2022. In recognition of his 74 years of Elkdom, the Fellowship Hall of the Queen City Elks Lodge No. 174 was dedicated and renamed in his honor. One of the greatest honors he received was being appointed Special Advisor to the Grand Exalted Ruler. Continuing his unwavering dedication, at 99 years old, he traveled to the National Elks Convention in Baltimore Maryland he was recognized as the oldest active member of the national Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. He was a member of the Elmira-Corning Branch of the NAACP, which presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated service in 2018. He was a lifetime member of the Frederick Douglass AME Zion Church in Elmira, New York, holding the title of President and member of Men of Zion for 12 years; formerly, he served on the Stewarts' Board, and was a member of the Young Persons Conference. He was featured in the documentary "300 Miles to Freedom," recording the life of John Jones, an escaped slave who settled in Elmira, New York, which included Elmira as yet another portion of the history of the famous Underground Railroad. Winston was a lover of the arts, frequenting shows at the Clemens Center as well as enjoying countless hours at his brother’s beloved Green Pastures and the Rye listening to the melodic tunes of Jazz. He regularly attended concerts sponsored by the Corning Civic Music Association. He was also an avid reader, known for his many papers scattered around his favorite chair. He believed in continually learning and keeping his mind sharp and his body active, often taking walks at Eldridge Park. When asked how he stays so young, his typical response was that “he lets life flow.” Winston was a vibrant independent man who took pride in still living alone, driving and traveling. Throughout his life, he exemplified the true essence of perseverance, navigating through the ebbs and flows with unyielding strength. His insights and experiences were invaluable, offering a unique perspective to those fortunate enough to know him. Community was always in Winston Coleman's heart and soul; he was known as one of the most beloved members of the Elmira community who volunteered many hours for the good of his community. June 24th, 2023 was proclaimed Winston Coleman day for his commitment to the Elmira community throughout the years. He touched so many lives and inspired countless others. Winston will be remembered most for his generosity, warmth, and unwavering support for his family and friends. His wisdom and guidance were sought after, and his presence lit up any gathering with his tales of wisdom and humor. As he bids farewell to this world, Winston leaves behind a legacy of integrity, determination, salvation and an unwavering spirit that will continue to inspire generations to come. While his departure brings sorrow, his life, well-lived, stands as a testament to the power of determination and the beauty of a life lived with purpose. Floyd Winston Coleman, Jr. is survived by his beloved daughters and son-in-law, Cathleen Coleman McConney of Albany, NY and Charlene (Elijah) Joe of Elmira; brother and sister-in-law; Roland and Mildred Coleman of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Denise Hatchett of Hamburg, AR, Michelle Coleman of Rochester, Charles “Tory” Coleman, Jr. and Joy (Corry) Brannen of Charlotte, N.C.; great-grandchildren; Quawaysia, Nate', Antonio, TyQuan, Jaylon, Jeremiah, Korry and Coleman; great-great-grandchildren; Amyiah, A'Xavion, Ethan, Amir, and Amariana; cousin, Katrina (Sam) Wingfield of Dinwiddie, VA., and nephew who is like a son, Howard Coleman, Jr. of Elmira. Also grieving his loss are a host of nieces, nephews, and many extended family and friends. Special appreciation is extended to his friend Christine Atkins. Winston is predeceased by his wife Sarah (Rosie) Jackson-Coleman, brother Howard Coleman, Sr., sister Elinor Coleman, son Charles Coleman, Sr. and son-in-law Norman McConney, Jr. Though he may have left this world, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who were touched by his remarkable presence. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Faith Temple Community Church of God in Christ, 765 Harper Street, Elmira. The family will receive visitors at the Frederick Douglas Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Sunday 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 16th at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira. In honoring the memory of Floyd, let us celebrate a life that was lived fully, with courage and love, and let us find solace in the indelible mark he leaves on our lives.