Mrs. Joyce "Poochie" Reid-Coleman

Mrs. Joyce Reid-Coleman, 61, of Waterbury, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Mr. Eugene "Gene" Coleman.

Joyce was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on November 24, 1964, daughter to the late Maryann Reid Douglas and William Patterson and step daughter to the late Milton Douglas whom she was raised by.

"Poochie" as she was affectionately called by all, relocated to Waterbury in her early years where she resided until her passing. She was educated in the Waterbury school system where she was a graduate of Crosby High School. Joyce worked for several companies in the Waterbury and surrounding areas including, The Waterbury YMCA, Whitewood Manor, Seidel, Slocum School and Siemon Company as a supervisor until her retirement in 2018. While employed at Siemon Company, Joyce spearheaded many events and programs including three annual programs for the employees. These programs included the Haunted Café for the children of the employees and also a Thanksgiving Feast as well as a Christmas Extravaganza. While employed at Siemon Company, Joyce created the Big, Bold and Beautiful Productions to expand her service work to the Waterbury community. As an entrepreneur, she opened New York Handbags Plus Dresses located in downtown Waterbury. Through her organization, Joyce began to provide the means to send children to their proms. She worked closely with all the high schools to select at least two students from each to receive services. These services included gowns, tuxedos, shoes, haircuts, hair styling, manicures, pedicures, all accessories, flowers, pictures and transportation. After retiring, Joyce's love for children inspired her to create The Back to School Kids Day. This all day event provided food, ice cream, face painting, tie-dyeing T Shirts, sack and relay races, double dutch, bingo, basketball, football, canvas painting and sidewalk chalk, also free haircuts along with a DJ all day. Her love for her community was unprecedented. During the holiday season, her organization would provide a full Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless and those in need. She would also provide toys and clothing for the children and blankets for the sick and shut in. Her generous, giving and loving spirit was what made her a unique blessing to so many. If all of those accomplishments were not enough, she continued to support her community by being a member of the Ole Skool, Black Mayor for a Day, Black Women United and Narcotics Anonymous. She has also collaborated with other organization assisting with continued community support. Her walk in her faith was strong. Joyce was a disciple of Grace Baptist Church and was a member of Grace's Women's Ministry and Pastoral Committee. Joyce was recognized by several organizations for her service to her community including, Crosby High School, Daughters of the Elks, Black Women United, 100 Women of Color, Kellogg Lodge No 5 F & AM Ph as well as the City of Waterbury, State of Connecticut and more.

Outside of her many accomplishments, Joyce was a happy joyous and free woman with an inspiring spirit who loved giving and giving hugs. Joyce was passionate about serving her community and was a beacon of hope for so many, especially children, seniors and the homeless. Joyce was a community activist but above all she was a sister, a niece, a cousin, an aunt and a friend to so many whom she loved and they loved her back. To say that her loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her is an understatement.

Besides her husband Eugene, Joyce leaves to cherish her loving memories, stepchildren; Aldonna Powell and Alonda Powell, Lamar Coleman, Asia Yon and Chaz Coleman, sisters; Velma (Fred) Bown, Victoria (Dana) Wilson and Linette (Jarrett) Taylor, one aunt; Carolyn Hooker, one uncle; Eugene Reid, nieces; Valisha, Surraya and Shaneika, nephews; Marcus, Jermaine, Terrance, Sean and Devan, great nephews; Kaleb Peel, Joshua McKain and Noah Donaldson, godmother; Martha Lewis, god sisters and godbrothers; Sandra Carr, Cynthia Yusef, Lisa Lewis, Pamela Lewis, Abdul Moustafa, Kerry Lewis, and Casey Lewis, a host of extended family and a plethora of friends.