Joyce Coleman

Joyce Hunter Coleman, 78, of Neptune Beach, Fla. passed away April 4, 2012 after a long, determined struggle with colon cancer. Having twice before successfully conquered cancer, Joyce gave a sterling effort for seven months to remain in this life with her deeply devoted family and friends in Florida, Virginia Beach, and Georgia, where she was born and raised in Savannah on March 27, 1934.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Ronald L. Coleman, Sr.; son Ronald L. Coleman, Jr. (Angie) of Acworth, Ga.; daughter Jennifer Coleman of Dallas, Ga.; son Christopher Coleman (Lisa) of Virginia Beach, Va.; son Joshua Coleman of Jacksonville, Fla.; and five grandchildren - Tori, Brandon, RLC III, Anna, and Stella.

Joyce was predeceased by parents Louis Alvin Hunter and Stella Chovin Hunter of Savannah. She was graduated from Savannah High School (1952), Armstrong College (1954) and the University of North Carolina (1956). She taught elementary school for a number of years in Savannah, and Fort Knox, Ky, where her husband was on active duty, and later home schooled her youngest son.

For the past 28 years, Joyce and her family resided in Jacksonville, predominantly in Neptune Beach. She was very active in American Cancer Society support and in Newcomers and Long Time Newcomers clubs where for years she was a board member and president. She loved reading, belonging to several book clubs, and enjoyed a host of friends in line dancing groups.

Her husband lovingly referred to her as the family’s “Matriarch of Memories,” who enjoyed immaculate recall and the humorous telling of stories and family events dating back for decades. She never forgot a friend and will be immensely missed.

A private family service is to be held at a later date in Savannah.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.