Gloria Mederer Coleman

The life of Gloria Jean Mederer Coleman sadly ended Friday, February 25th 2011 following a courageous 4½ year battle with ovarian cancer. Gloria was born to Leonard John Mederer and Bertha Margaret Bitzer on the 27th of June, 1940. She was raised by Leonard John and Hyta Plowden Mederer, and was a lifelong resident of Valdosta, Georgia, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1957. Glow continued her education at Sweetbriar College studying liberal arts graduating in 1962. She then attended Emory University, earning her master's degree in education in 1965, teaching primary school in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1969 Gloria was reintroduced to Wilby Coleman, (a widower who was 11 years older with 4 children). Their long intellectual conversations quickly ignited into a love affair which lasted for 42 years. She immediately showed she was ready for adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail during their honeymoon after having slept in a sleeping bag only twice before—and indoors. A truly dedicated, loving nurturing wife and mother to five children, Miss Wilby, Compton, Chris, Justin, Sallyann and grandmother to nine grandchildren (Wilby, Molly, Chappell, Christopher, Olivia, Sarah, Morgan, Somers and Coleman) and two great-grandchildren, she also leaves behind her sister Hyta Mederer and nephew Taylor Kuhn. She was often affectionately referred to as "Glow" as her Glow impacted all of those in her presence.
Glow relished life and took great joy in the simplicity of life's wonders-appreciating the twist of a branch or the color of ripened fruit--even announcing at Thanksgiving one year of her thankfulness for water because of its many uses. She thrived on tradition and family solidarity and leaves behind many traditions which will be continued. She was an avid traveler, always ready to learn about a new land and explore with her husband and children. With a little encouragement she took up bike riding and traveled to places such as Ireland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Lichtenstein on biking tours but always admitted she really rode bikes because she got to follow the man she adored.
Glow was a devoted wife and mother, always supporting her husband in his life, music, and artwork, which included bravely telling him when she thought an art piece had "crossed the line." She helped produce 16 Great Hahira Pick-Ins. She took pride in having the freshest vegetables for the nourishment of those she loved and enjoyed putting in the extra effort to ensure family events were special, which included pulling out all of the stops--even one time ordering truffles and special delicacies for everyone to try.
Glow effortlessly lived a life of grace and dignity. During her struggle, her strength and courage were unparalleled. She believed this was all just part of "life's rich pageantry." The world will not be the same without this amazing woman. She will be sorely missed by all of those lucky enough to know her.
Wilby: This remarkable woman was the epitome of grace; I never heard her say an ugly remark about anyone. I never heard her criticize anybody. She was no "goody two shoes". She had a mind of her own and a strong will but she kept her own counsel when it came to criticizing others. She was always outgoing and happy and inventive in ways that would make the mind reel with joy. Those who knew her knew all of this about her, and those who didn't have missed a treat. Tongue can not tell how I will miss her.
Memorial services for Mrs. Coleman will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. The Reverend Peter Ingeman will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: American Diabetes Association (American Diabetes Association 1701 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311 1-800-DIABETES), The Salvation Army (615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313 1-800-SAL-ARMY), Snake Nation Review (Snake Nation Press, 2920 North Oak Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31602 rgeorge@snakenationpress.org), Nature Conservancy of Georgia (4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203, USA 800-628-6860 or 877-812-3698), Charles Darwin Foundation (cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec, Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador, Telephone: (593) 5 2526-146/ Ext 120 Fax: (593) 5 2526-146/147 Ext 102), Florida Wildlife Hospital&Sanctuary (4560 North U.S. Highway 1 , Melbourne, FL 32935, (321)254-8843), Christ Episcopal Church (103 East College Street (229) 242-5115), Turner Center for the Arts (527 N Patterson St, Valdosta GA 31602, 229-247-2787). Carson McLane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602