The Ora Coleman Endowment
Providing animals to special events.
Through the love of the animals and the children, Ora Coleman’s endowment helps fund the animals for the RUMC’s Christmas and Easter celebrations and the RUMCK’s annual Petting Zoo.
Who was Ora Coleman?
“Uncle Ora was a simple man. He lived on the Coleman farm his entire life. He bought about seven acres of the original farm and built a house where he and my grandmother lived. His legacy was one of simplicity and love. His house was heated by a wood stove and he never had a phone. He lived life simple as if he lived in the 1950s and 1960s. He loved his farm, his family, his church, and his friends. He was a member of RUMC from the time he was 11 years old until he died at 89. Many families around the Roswell area took their children to his farm to see the animals and to enjoy what life used to be. After he retired from Roswell Seating Company, in the spring he would bring animals to the church for the kindergarten children to enjoy. He enjoyed it as much as they did.”
Barbara Mansell
"Knowing that Uncle Ora brought the animals to the church and loved for children to enjoy the animals and learning that he faithfully paid his pledges are the reasons why we set up the endowment as we did. We felt that it is what Uncle Ora would have wanted." - Barbara Mansell
Funds earned from the endowment help cover the costs of the animals featured in the annual RUMC event Evening of Bethlehem.
Part of the namesake Coleman Road family - Ora was born and raised on Coleman Farms. During his childhood the family owned 125 acres of land in the area near the historic district of Roswell, by around 2009, Coleman had sold off much of the property until he only had to maintain a six and a half acre farm.
Ora was a native of Roswell, GA and an active member of RUMC for 78 years.
Funds earned from the endowment help cover the costs of the animals featured in the annual RUMC Kindergarten and Preschool Fall Petting Zoo event.
Invited all to come to his farm to pet his animals, see his plants & flowers, & have good conversation about the good old days.
He frequently enjoyed gifting bouquets of gardenias. It was one of his favorites.
Friendly, helpful and compassionate to all, he sometimes took his animals to show kids at his church & the preschool / kindergarten.
Kids adored Mr. Coleman. Seen here with Kiersten and Drew Hudson.
"He cherished children and loved his animals. The little bit of heaven he created on this earth is nothing compared to what he now has for eternity. Thank you, Mr. Coleman for teaching us all about the importance of friendship. May we strive to practice the lessons you have taught us." - Renea Winchester
A book was written about him called "Ora's Farm."
Corn was one of his most plentiful crops and he loved sharing.
“I will always treasure the memories of Mr. Coleman and his beloved animals. The times spent sitting and talking with him, sharing stories and a glass of wine, will always be among my most treasured memories. He was a very special gift to this planet sent by God and all who came in contact with him were very lucky.”
— Beth Harris
“Mr. Coleman was always there with open arms, a smile and a kind word or story to share. Each time we left the farm, we felt at peace, an unexplained warmth.”
— Liesel West
“I remember going to Ora's to see him and his animals when I was a kid. Then, when I had kid's of my own, I took them to see Ora and his animals. We even bought some doves and rabbits from him and kept them at home as pets. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, most loving, God fearing'est people I ever knew. If only more people were like Ora.”
— Hal Coleman
All who entered his home he built with his own hands, on the road that bore his family name, became a friend. Smartie the dog, the goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and turkeys now are gone and cared for by friends and family. The last farm off Coleman Road is now quiet. But, Ora's kind, gentle spirit and timeless lessons on life, endure in all who knew him.
— Ryan Menson