Renata Coleman

Woodson

Renata Coleman Woodson, of Richmond, peacefully entered into her heavenly home on Friday, November 28, 2025 at home with her son and sister.

She was born on October 24, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Charles Edward and Madelyn Johnson Coleman. She was also welcomed by her brother Orlanda. Due to the harsh cold weather in Chicago, the family returned to Virginia where they remained.

Renata was baptized at the early age of 11 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam, Virginia by Rev. David Ragland and had a life-long relationship with the Lord.

During her early years, Renata was more of a tomboy and didn't really care for girl things, like dolls and tea parties. Instead she preferred to be outside with her grandfather where she learned about car motors, tractors, farming, gardening and fishing.

By the time Renata reached high school she was an all around athlete, she played softball, ran track and also played basketball for Maggie L. Walker High School. Due to the construction of the expressway in the West End, the family moved to Highland Park. Renata transferred to John Marshall High School her senior year, but we all knew that she was a Mighty Dragon thru and thru.

After high school Renata was a waitress VCU while she also attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where she received a Computer Operator Certificate. Renata was a genius with all things computer, which she passed to both of her grandchildren who are also geniuses.

On January 26, 1980, Renata married Melton St. Clair Woodson and from this union two children were born, Melton Jr. and Natalie. Renata was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, godmother, sister and friend to many.

During her entire adult life, Renata worked with computers until her health failed while working at the Virginia Employment Commission for 23 years of dedicated service.

Music, sports and video games were passions of Renata that she enjoyed for hours. Gerald Levert was her favorite singer and he still holds a spot on her refrigerator.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded by her daughter, Natalie Woodson; sister, Stacey Coleman and brother, Charles Coleman, Jr.

Left to mourn are her devoted family - husband, Melton St.  Clair Woodson, Sr. son, Melton Woodson, Jr.; granddaughter, Shia Little and her father Von Little; grandson, Jeremiah Woodson; sister, Virgie Washington (Daniel); two brothers, Orlanda Coleman (Yvonne) and Shawn Coleman, Sr. (Debbie); uncle, Shelton Coleman (Venessa); three nieces, Dr. Nicole Barbour, Katrina James and Nicole Franklin (goddaughter); three nephews, Bret Woodson (Aicha), Orlando Johnson and Shawn Coleman, Jr.; adopted daughters, Keyora Gilliam, LaShonda Ogburn and Keya Booker; other relatives and friends, devoted, Ricky Anthony, Valerie Cash, Holly Conrad, Andrea Hankins, Antionette Smith, Brenda Tarpley, Aubrey Gray, Jr., Cassandra Reeders and Gregory White.

A memorial service will be held 11 am. Monday, December 15, 2025 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment private. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com