Joseph A. Baker Coleman, 79, of Caroline County, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Joseph was the fifth of ten children born to the late Profit Baker and the late Carrie Nell Baker in Woodford, Virginia. Because of the close bond within their family, his parents lovingly entrusted his upbringing to their cousins, Malessia and Joe L. Coleman–his namesake-who adopted him at a young age.

Joseph was raised in Washington, D.C., where he graduated from Eastern High School in 1966. Following high school, he continued his education at Federal City College, also located in Washington, D.C. He later embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Department of State, where he served with dedication for more than three decades before retiring.

In 1959, Joseph met Deborah Williams, and the two were united in marriage in June 1969. Their union was blessed with three children. He was preceded in death by two of his children, his daughter Lavonya and his son Marcus.

Despite facing many challenges throughout his life, Joseph remained resilient and persevered. After many years in the Washington, D.C. area, he returned to Virginia, where he was blessed to reconnect with his biological family and spend meaningful time with his mother before her passing.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Profit Baker and Carrie Nell Baker; his adoptive parents, Malessia and Joe L. Coleman; his brothers, Willie, Archie, and Timothy; and his sister, Rev. Ocellia Lewis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son Steven (Shayla); niece and caregiver Cathy Parker (Quinton), two grandson, Stephon Coleman and Kortez Calloway; one great-grandson Kingsley Calloway; three brothers, Walter Lee (Gloria), Ervin (Carlene), and Profit Baker (Jarita); two sisters, Arterita Brown (Joseph) and Charity Baker Deane, one aunt Gloria Reynolds. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and his Washington DC family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Macedonia Baptist Church, 7187 Macedonia Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery located on Claiborne Crossing Road, Woodford, VA.