Antonia "Toni" Carol (Young) Coleman

Born November 30, 1946, in Rockingham, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William Carroll Young and Lorene Langley Young. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lisa Young Moore of Rockingham.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James Donald Coleman; daughters, Brannon Earles (Jason), Ragan Kirven (Coleman); her grandchildren are Langley Smith, James Smith, Alex Earles and Eliza Earles. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Young (Teresita) of Spartanburg, SC.

She was a graduate of Rockingham High School in 1964, and a 1968 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education. She taught at Hope Valley Elementary school in Durham and at Highland Elementary in Hickory for four years.

Her greatest joy was being a loving wife to her husband Don for 56 years. Their love story began when they were only 16 years old and continued as they shared many memories during their time in Chapel Hill, Durham and Hickory. Throughout their marriage, Toni was Don’s constant support in his business and music. Over the years, they were able to travel and enjoy many places in the U.S. as well as Europe, Africa and South America. Toni treasured her family time at the beach with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving and nurturing Mother and Grandmother. Her daughters and grandchildren were the light of her life.

Toni enjoyed her involvement in the church and community. Toni and Don joined First Presbyterian Church in 1970. Toni served as Elder, Sunday School teacher and Youth advisor. She received the Women’s Presbyterian Lifetime Achievement Award. She served as the President of the Hickory Service League. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and tutored at Southwest Elementary.

A service of thanksgiving and celebration of life will be held Tuesday, April 15th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, The Alzheimer’s Association and Hospice (Carolina Caring)