Eethel “Ronda” Stephens Coleman passed away peacefully at 9:43 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, accompanied by her youngest daughter, Surre, in Washington state.
She was born on July 14, 1965, in Parsons where she was raised and attended McKinley, Guthridge, Parsons Junior High and graduated from Parsons Senior High School.
Many knew her as Ronda, Randallene, Auntie Ronda and Lene.
Eethel was the beloved daughter of Maxine Coleman (April 26, 1926, to Aug. 3, 2015) and Xenephon “Xen” Stephens (Sept. 4, 1935, to Jan. 8, 1992). She was the youngest of her three siblings, Dr. Mwalimu J. Shujaa, Renee Surratt-Caldwell and Clarence (Tacuma) Bailey Jr.
She dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked at Labette Health as a housekeeper then transitioned into home health, where she found her true passion. Her heart was always open, welcoming everyone with love and without judgment. She had a way of making everyone feel at home, embracing them with unconditional love and a sassy attitude that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Above all else, Eethel adored her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
She is survived by her sister, Renee Surratt-Caldwell; her daughters, Xena Rae Coleman and Surre Chante Mota; her son, Jumani Damu Ngozi Coleman; and her cherished grandchildren, Amir Dubray, Ja’Neaeh Coleman-Higler, Ja’Kayla Coleman-Higler, Enzo Mota and Souline Mota. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.
She is reunited in peace with her mother, Maxine Coleman; father, Xenephon “Xen” Stephens; and brothers, Dr. Mwalimu J. Shujaa and Clarence (Tacuma) Bailey Jr.
Eethel’s kindness, strength and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Her family will honor her memory with a celebration of life at a later date.
