Salina Coleman (12/4/73 – 11/13/24)

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Tompkins Park Senior Center’s Writing Class in Bedford-Stuyvesant, group members, sent reflections on the passing of sister-scribe Salina Coleman.
The group was formed in 2015, according to the mission statement written by Selma Jackson (President of Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, Inc. and Facilitator of the Creative Writing Class at the Tompkins Park Older Adult Center).
“In 2020 we were isolated because of the pandemic, Jackson noted. “When we finally began meeting again in 2021 participants were writing so much each had a collection of short stories. We shared our stories in class with one another. We were so excited about our work that when it was suggested we do a book, we all said yes immediately!”
The group organized themselves as the Tompkins Park Writers Association, and Women Sharing Our Stories was published December 2023. “While we all come from different cultures,” wrote Ms. Jackson, “there was a shared experience of growing up in communities that nurtured us. We laughed, gave suggestions on how to make the stories better, and encouraged one another to write more.”
This past November 2024, the Tompkins Park Older Adult Center writing class, a close-knit group, sadly lost writer Salina Coleman due to complications related to Lupus. Coleman was a popular community health and wellness advocate, and often hosted workshops despite her pain.
On this page, scribes Selma Jackson, Frances Sentino, Terri Strobert, Debra Johnson, and Claudette Winston shared their heartfelt responses to Ms. Coleman’s death and appreciation of her legacy.

Frances Sentino:
She Lived in Grace,
One Day at a Time
Salina was a determined person. She knew that she had a role in life to help others, even when her health was not the best for many years because of Lupus.
I believe that God chose her to show us how to live gracefully with our cross one day at a time.
Salina’s contribution by organizing monthly workshops, even though she was in pain with a swollen leg, showed us that she had faith and trust in God’s goodness.
I tried to encourage her even when I was unable to attend her workshops. My phone text that I sent her on November 10, 2024, is still in my cell phone. It read, .“Have a Blessed Sunday, Salina. God loves you.”
She usually answered before the end of the day. But this time I did not get a reply.

Claudette Winston:
She Funded her Programs Herself
Sometimes, once in a lifetime you are blessed to meet a person who leaves a deep impression on your spirit and soul. For me it was Salina.
I was amazed how she connected to the elders. She delighted in going the extra mile, once a month, preparing the best programs for the seniors.
Salina was special, a genius in my eyes. Her programs were meticulously planned. Every detail implemented, color code, fine-tuned and carried out to the best of her ability. She did her homework. She provided so much information. Information that could be used by the seniors. I would see her in her wheelchair-mobiling up and down the Avenue, picking up things for her latest project. She took pride in all that she did, and she funded the program herself.
I have attended Salina’s programs for almost two years and admired her courageous spirit in battling Lupus, that ravished her body, while putting on the best programs for her seniors.
As I pass by her apartment #2L, I will miss the pleasant aromas that always flowed from her partially opened door. On that door are these words: FEARLESS, BEAUTY, LOVED, STRONG.
Rest in Peace, my Little One.
You deserve it.

Terri-Mardina Strobert:
She Did Amazing Things With
Little or Nothing
When I think of Salina Coleman, I remember a sweetheart of a person who had a big heart for creating fun, loving monthly events for the seniors at Tompkins Park Senior Center.
She suffered from Lupus disease and often held workshops to bring awareness to so many people who may be suffering with the disease. We connected when I signed up for one of her workshops and shared that my sister had the disease too but hers was manageable.
The disease had advanced so rapidly, Salina’s leg was amputated and few of her fingertips removed. She spoke of not feeling well and how hard it was for her to get up and get started in the mornings. Often fatigued and losing sleep, she would keep inside for a few days, but she never complained. She mustered up strength and courage with the help of God. With the aide by her side, together they would decorate the community room so beautifully: pretty tablecloths with flowers, cutlery with matching napkins and handouts of reading materials for the theme of the event.
She served food and beverages, played games and gave away party bags. All of Salina’s events were well attended because she had a sign-up sheet outside of the lunchroom. She did amazing things with little or nothing, her own money and donations.
The recent Motown event on September 27 of this year will forever be memorable. Salina ordered Motown T-shirts for paying participants, organized a talent show of many acts from dancers, singers, a DJ and highlighted the famous female singing group, The Supremes, which I was a part of. Salina rehearsed each group for days and made sure we were all costumed. The community room was fashionably decorated in black and gold representing Motown’s milestone.
I had the program recorded.
Salina covered her pain and suffering so well we forgot her daily struggles. She did mention her heart problem, but we did not think that she wouldn’t beat it.
Oh, what a painful loss for so many of us! But there’s no more suffering for Salina now. With God she is made whole.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
_

Debra Johnson: An Angel,
on earth, gone too soon.
I felt her caring spirit every time she entered the room.
She gave all she had to make others smile, even when she had to make others smile, even when she was journeying through her trials.
She may have left her body (like a butterfly —her favorite motif — out of the cocoon), yet her spirit lives on.
NOW, Salina is a Warrior in heaven sharing her triumphant song.
Rest In Peace, Salina. Your work has just begun. Now, you can FLY.

Selma Jackson: Her Giving
was Astronomical! She Spread Love
and Joy!
Salina Coleman was a shining star! She continually gave of herself to serve her community.
Salina encouraged others to participate and through her efforts two members of our writing group continued rather than dropout.
Thank you, Salina, for sharing your story of hope, which will live on to inspire others!
Salina stepped up her commitment to serving older adults at the Tompkins Park Older Adult Center. For more than a year, she volunteered to do workshops every month with relevant topics for better health outcomes for us all.
We will miss her; however, I am encouraged. Salina showed us how to enjoy life despite adversity…by spreading Love and Joy!