Mrs. Carole Coleman

Carole Ann Johnson Coleman passed away on August 12, 2018. Carole was born to Tom and Dorothy Johnson in San Antonio, Texas on March 7, 1937. She was a curious, beautiful blonde girl growing up in Austin, who danced and wore princess dresses. She excelled in her studies and graduated from the University of Texas in 1955. Carole worked several jobs to fund her education; eventually meeting a handsome young doctor at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, who set about charming her. She later married Leonard Coleman M.D. in 1963 and soon became pregnant with her first-born child, Caren. She was determined to finish her master’s degree in speech pathology and earned her second degree from the University of Texas in 1966 while building a home and life in Navasota. In the midst of her academic and domestic pursuits, she and Leonard had Chrissie, then Connie.

Carole was truly a life-long learner, a voracious reader, and a passionate advocate for investing in the potential of children and adults. She couldn’t resist teaching and learning and never lost her desire to learn more and improve the lives of those she met. She was privileged to serve the students of Navasota ISD and surrounding districts as a Speech Therapist and Diagnostician. The children she worked with and the friendships she made blessed her richly.

She was a renaissance woman, mixing the disparate spheres of motherhood, being a wife and learning, always learning. Carole could chop down a tree, create a mouth-watering bread pudding, and make a gorgeous wreath before she went to work. Her intellectual curiosity was fierce and led her to more deeply examine her Christian faith. She fell in love again and began a relationship with Jesus and His Word that simultaneously sustained and drove her. She reveled in God’s creation, growing beautiful gardens, caring for her precious pecan trees and walking around the farm she and Leonard loved.

She had loyal and true friends, who enriched her life with so much joy. She loved her children and step-children with a tender heart and a generous spirit. Her crown jewels were her grandchildren; she could not have loved or believed in them more.

Carole is survived by her daughters: Caren Coleman Elms and husband Troy, Christine Coleman Loftis and husband David, Constance Coleman Ealy and husband Clark; and her step-children: Solon Douglas Coleman, Patricia Coleman Nelson and husband Craig, and Hardison Coleman; and grandchildren: Haley Constance Loftis Daniel and husband Paul, Austin Elms and wife Lauren, Christian Reed Loftis and wife Shannon O’Brien Loftis, Hunter Elms, Carole Anne Ealy, Coleman Elms, Robin Christine Ealy, Jackson Ealy, Margaret Ealy, Marga Coleman Prouty and husband Alex, Abraham Coleman, Rose Coleman, Coleman Nelson and wife Sarah, Caleb Nelson, Cameron Nelson and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Beverly Cotton and Yvette Harrison for the kindness and faithfulness they showed during her brief illness. A memorial service will be held in celebration of her life at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Navasota with a reception to follow on Wednesday August 15, 2018.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you honor her memory by donating to the American Cancer Society, First Presbyterian Church of Navasota or Hospice Brazos Valley.

You are invited to leave kind words and fond memories at www.noblesfuneral.com .