Tommie S. Coleman, 93

Tommie S. Coleman of Viola passed peacefully at the Webb House in McMinnville surrounded by her daughters.

Tommie was born Aug. 28, 1932, in Van Buren County, Bone Cave to Thomas Bryant Seamons and Emma Gertrude Miller Seamons. She attended local schools until her family moved to Florida where she attended St. Augustine High School.

Mom always had a passion for the beach, lake or pool, wherever she could “work on that tan." One of her daughters picked up that habit while the other already had her beautiful olive skin.

While working at Southern Bell Telephone Company she met this tall, handsome man climbing telephone poles. After the completion of the project (wiring Flagler College) he decided to take all the girls in her office out dancing to celebrate. Of course, Tommie playing hard to get was the only one that would not dance with him. So, three months later they eloped and got married.

Mom was the CEO of the Coleman house, and everyone knew it. LOL, until the boys that came calling. Dad was the inspector and mom was the final decision maker. When they decided to make the move to Jacksonville, it was a big one. While living in Jacksonville, mom and dad owned the first self-service car wash, Kwik Kar Wash at Jacksonville Beach.

Once Dad retired, he really wanted to check out living in the country and back Mom came to Viola. To say they lived a great life would be an understatement. They became partners in Timberline Furniture at Smartt Station. They were instrumental in the Viola community growth, helping with many projects including the building of the gazebo in the square, fundraising and especially supporting nursing homes with their musical group.

It’s hard to talk about mom and not mention dad as they had 67 years of love that could not be matched. Debbie and I had the best example of what a loving partnership was supposed to be. Needless to say, no one has compared. Mom was the nurse, doctor and dad’s co-mechanic and most definitely dad’s “ride or die” chick, then ours.

She loved to ride with Debbie and me anyplace we were going. She especially loved when we would go to garage or estate sales to watch us spend our money. I am not sure what to do now as my best friend is off with the love of her life doing whatever. Debbie and I hit the jackpot with these two and will LOVE and MISS YOU forever. Our hearts are broken. See and talk to you guys on the other side.

Tommie is preceded in death by her parents, her best friend and husband of 67 years, Ralph; her sisters, Lorena O’Neal Cobb, Louise Whitlock, Lois Partin and Patricia Hughes; niece, Faye Register; nephew, Tim Coleman; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Coleman and Betty Jean Massey.

Tommie is survived by her forever grateful daughters, Debra L. Coleman of McMinnville (formerly of St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Claudia A Coleman of McMinnville (formerly of Palm Beach County, FL); her beloved grand dogs, Simon, Linus, Connor, Prince, Grayson and Ava; brother-in-law, Roy Lawrence Coleman of Jacksonville, Fla.; nieces and nephews, George H. (Benjamin) O’Neal, 111, Bill (Trisha) Whitlock, Jerry W. (Jennifer) O’Neal, Nancy A. (Brad) Lewis, Linda (Lyndon) Schultz and Scott Massey. Several great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins (including her cousin in crime Fay Harris) and friends (longtime family friends, Jimmy Yates and Donna Walker).

A huge thank you to the Webb House Staff. The girls took amazing care and gave our mom attention 24 hours a day. The compassionate professional “Emily” at Gentiva Hospice could not have been a better support for all three of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in mom’s memory to Viola Valley Animal Rescue, Shriners Hospital for Children or your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held at High's Thursday from 5-8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Services will be at High’s Chapel on Friday, Jan. 23 at 11:00 am. Place of Burial will be Mt. View Cemetery following a brief service.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Jan. 22, 2026