Carolyn Glynn Coleman

Carolyn Glynn (Green) Coleman of Hastings died on December 15, six days shy of 92. The daughter of Hubert and Nelle Green, Carolyn was born in Mayfield, Kentucky on December 21, 1927, and there with her brother, Jerry grew up amid homes in town, the family dairy, and many relatives.  She graduated from Mayfield High School in 1945, studied for a time at Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and then transferred to the University of Michigan where she earned her teaching degree in 1949.

While attending school in Ann Arbor, she met her husband James E. Coleman and they were married in the U of M chapel on June 15, 1950.  They began their life together in Ypsilanti before moving to build their future in Jim's hometown of Hastings. Jim went into the Insurance business with his father, Earl; Carolyn held significant roles in her church and the broader community; and the couple raised three children; Dave, Sally, & Mitch.

Ever curious, Carolyn was a life-long learner who read voraciously and sought challenging opportunities where she could contribute most to her community. Returning to school in her 50s, she was awarded a Master's degree in Management from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She put that degree along with her curiosity and determination to good use, forging new territory as the first woman elected as a Barry County Commissioner where she served for 12 plus years, many as the first female Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners. She helped advance numerous county projects including around Hastings Public Library, Futuring Committee, Charlton Park, Kalamazoo Child Guidance Center, Barry County Mental Health, YMCA search committee, and more.  Among other awards, she received the Liberty Bell award, and the Barry County Human Services Award for Positive Leadership.

A committed member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, Carolyn served in leadership roles as a Deacon and as the first woman elected as an Elder. She was also part of the Woman's Association, and Women's Circles, Pastoral Search Committees, taught Adult Sunday School classes, and led Women's Bible Studies. She was also active at the Presbytery level, attending General Assembly and serving on various committees including the Commission on Ministry, Mission Co-Ordination, and several Administrative Committees.

Carolyn's love of learning extended to exploring new places and cultures.  She successfully cajoled husband Jim into traveling all over the world with various (amazing) friend groups and with her brother and his wife.  They visited England, Scotland, Thailand, Galapagos Islands, Africa, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and India, to name a few. On one of their group trips to Mexico in the '70's, they found themselves alone in Chichén Itzá and were able to scamper around the ruins.  Carolyn and Jim traveled the United States as well, hitting most states, including the many family trips to Kentucky and Maryland.  When not traveling or in their house on the hill (good for winter sledding fun) in Hastings, the couple could often be found enjoying their Wall Lake retreat.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son John Mitchell (Mitch), sister-in-law Diane Green, and brother and sister-in-law John (Kate) Coleman.

She is survived by son David (Tammy) Coleman of Hastings and daughter Sally (Jeff) Keller of Delton, Michigan, exchange student from Brazil Iracema (Dickson ) Costa, of Recife, Brazil; brother Jerome Green of Lewes, Delaware; grandchildren Sarah (Bob) Middleton of Middleville, Andy (Molly) Keller of Hastings, Joe (Sara) Keller of Caledonia, Lauren (Skyler) Tripp of Hastings, and Scott Coleman of New York; great-grandchildren Madison, Mitchell, Lizzie, and Callie Middleton, Cole and Aubrey Keller, Evan, Aila, and Mara Baker, and Ollie Tripp; nieces Marcia (Kenny) Porter and Natalie (Tim) Green-Heiks of Maryland, Christine (Chris) Wrblis of Grand Rapids, and nephew Bill (Michelle) Coleman of Chatham, Michigan; and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, December 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM with a funeral service at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Noah's Ark Preschool, the YMCA of Barry County, or a charity of one's choice.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .