Troyce Coleman

Troyce Wynette (Rhodes) Coleman was born July 22, 1928, to Clyde Estle Rhodes & Virgie Ellene Slemmons in their farmhouse in Abernathy, TX

Troyce was the 6th of 11 children – Ellene, Clyde Jr, Geneva, Glen, Oneta, Troyce, Freda, Erby, Gene, Sheryl, & Gina.  She grew up on a farm in Abernathy Texas.  God was the heart of her home and Church was the most important part of their lives.  They attended every time the church doors were open, and her dad would play the piano for worship and teach Sunday School.  This practice carried over when she had children of her own.  Troyce’s favorite book was the Bible and Bible memory was a continual part of her life, which was also instilled in her children.

She graduated from Abernathy High School in 1945 at the age of 16, and then graduated from Western Union School in Missouri.  Upon graduation she worked at the Western Union Office in Lubbock, which didn’t last long, because in her words she said, “I’m not cut out to be an office girl.  I’m a farm girl.”  She then attended Texas Tech in 1946 and Bethany Peniel College in 1947, where she would meet the love of her life, Woodie Coleman.  They were married in the Church of the Nazarene in Abernathy, TX three weeks after they were engaged!  Woodie sang “I Love You Truly” as she walked down the aisle.  It was “true love” for sure.

After marriage, Woodie and Troyce lived in Bethany OK until his graduation.  They helped with church services in the slums of Oklahoma City, gathering up children for Sunday School, even sheltering children in their home who were sick and mistreated.  Upon graduation they moved to Petersburg Tx from 1951-54, and then Abernathy Tx from 1955-1958.  They then moved to Lubbock Tx in 1959, where they lived until they moved to their permanent home in heaven.

A special gift Woodie & Troyce enjoyed for many retirement years was being a part of Campers For Christ, where Woodie served as Chaplain & led the worship services.  Troyce was a part of the choir and was always involved in cooking and spreading love to all who attended.  They travelled to every state (including Alaska & Hawaii).

Troyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, 8 siblings, and one son-in-law, Phil Holmes.

She is survived by the greatest joys of her life – Gwen Holmes, Sherry Mitchell & her husband, Tim, Diane Donahoo, Reggie Coleman & his wife Gayla, Randy Coleman, and 12 grandchildren – Tracy Milam, Shane Holmes & his wife Laney, Damy Donahoo & his wife Casey, Shelley Holmes, Craig Mitchell & his wife Alyson, Trent Donahoo & his wife Kellie, Kimberly Matthews & her husband Chris, Aaron Coleman & his wife Sarah, Angel Tschetter & her husband Mark, Kent Coleman & his wife Chloe, Macy Donahoo & her husband Graham, & Cassie Coleman; and 24 great-grandchildren – Dylan Holmes, Mitch Mitchell, Peyton Mitchell, Ethan Donahoo, Austin Jones, Tanner Donahoo, Avery Mitchell, Ethan Donahoo, Coleman Mitchell, Tatum Donahoo, Townlee Donahoo, Cayden Holmes, Xander Holmes, Ashlyn Holmes, Kayden Matthews, Jace Matthews, Dominic Coleman, Catelyn Coleman, Savannah Coleman, Kenzie Coleman, Kennedy Donahoo, Renee Coleman, Koen Donahoo, and Camden Coleman.  Each beautiful child was loved “as her favorite.”

Troyce passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.  The family wishes to personally thank Bridge Hospice & her personal caretakers, and all the Carillon staff, (especially the memory care unit) for the constant love and tender care they gave to our mother.

Donations can be made to the Rhodes Scholarship Fund at Southern Nazarene University at 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany OK or Bridge Hospice in Lubbock TX.

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