Emmett Joseph Coleman III (Joey) was born September 28, 1954 in East Orange, NJ to the late Emmett Joseph Coleman Jr. and Beatrice Coleman. He was the second eldest of seven children. He was raised in Long Branch, NJ where he graduated from Long Branch High School in 1972. Joey joined the United States Army in 1972 to 1983 after which he attended Florida A & M (FAMU).
Joey worked various jobs, until he began his long and successful journey with congenital heart disease. Two heart transplants later, Joey became one of the longest living double heart transplant recipients. Although he was considered disabled, he lived life: thankful, grateful with love and grace.
Joey is survived by his loving siblings: Beverly, Howard, Carol, Gary, Rosella, and Kim; his son Melvin Freeman and 7 grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Tracey, Charisse, Anya, DaNay, Anthony, Dashon, Jeremy, Derrick, Kai and Trey as well as a host of great nieces, nephews, family, church family, many great friends and his beloved companion Mary Rogers.
Known as Emmett to friends, Joey and uncle Joe Joe to family, his love touched us deeply and is forever imprinted in our hearts.
Emmett I’m truly going to miss you. We have been friends for over 40 years , I am going to miss the conversations we had and miss seeing your name come up when you called me. You truly was my friend and I’m going to miss you! You rest now my friend until we meet again.
I love you Emmett, I’m so glad I got a chance to see you last year. I am truly going to miss your calls and me calling you
Rest easy my friend, you would always call me baby girl!!!!
Hi Rosie and family,
May God to keep each of you as strong as you can be at this sad, difficult and painful time,you have my prayers to each
of you as you always have, since I still feel like a close friend of the family. I truly know Emmett/Jo Jo will be missed because
I remember the love all of you showed him, may he rest in peace. Along with your tears, remember to smile too because
he’ll get to to see your Mom and Dad again, as God welcomes his spirit too.
still a friend of the family, with Love,
Family, please receive our prayers and condolences. With Love and concern, Elder Dwayne & Deacon Valerie Trawick
My condolences to the Coleman Family. May God’s peace be your strength.