Deane B. Coleman, 87, of Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, died peacefully at home on Friday, January 1, 2016.

She was born April 22, 1928 in Roanoke, the daughter of the late James Goobie Bowyer and Annie Mae Creasey.

She was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Calvin H. Coleman.

She is survived by all of her children, Paul Coleman and wife, Pam of Waynesboro, Joy Coleman Doss and husband, James of Lexington, Sam P. Coleman and wife, Donna of Chesapeake, Bill S. Coleman of Christiansburg, Jonathan D. Coleman and wife, Laurie of Katy, Texas, Wanda Ard of Buena Vista; and ten grandchildren, Erin, Sarah, Zachary, Calvin, Jack, Jonathan, Audrey, Ashley, Makayla and Adrian.

Deane grew up on a farm in Bedford County, where she developed a deep love and respect for farm life, family, friends and animals, especially horses.

She graduated from Moneta High School in 1945, the valedictorian of her class. She was then accepted to Madison College on a work-scholarship, and graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1950, with a degree in Home Economics. Her path next led her to Lexington, where she accepted a teaching position at Lexington High School.

She and Calvin were married on Jan. 27, 1951, and soon thereafter, started their family. Her primary focus then shifted to being a homemaker for a rapidly growing family. She gave up full time teaching, but continued to work as a substitute teacher and a Weekday Religious Education teacher in the Rockbridge County School System for a number of years.

After all of her children were grown, she got her dream job working in the Visitors Information Center at the Virginia Horse Center. There, she became a tremendous ambassador for Lexington and Rockbridge County, and she made many good friends from all over the country.

Later in life, she and Calvin traveled extensively throughout the western states, where they enjoyed the scenery, the wildlife and the western culture. She also became an avid dancer, enjoying Friday night dances at Clark's Sawmill.

Church and mission work were very important to her throughout her life. She was a kind and loving person who saw the good in everyone.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge Baths. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church social hall following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethesda Presbyterian Church, the Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department, or Rockbridge Area Hospice in Lexington.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.