Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory announces the death of Betty Jean Coleman, age 77, of Swainsboro, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at her residence. Memorial services were held Monday, May 11, at 2 p.m. in the Tomlinson Chapel. Interment was private. Family received friends one hour prior to services at Tomlinson Funeral Home.
Betty was born May 24, 1948, to the late William Thomas and Loretta Lumley Coleman. In her early years, she lived and worked in Swainsboro. Betty worked for many years with Bowman Trucking Company as well as other trucking companies while attending Georgia Southern College. Her heart was in education, and she always had a desire to be a teacher. Betty taught in Effingham and in Evans County Schools. She believed in always doing your best and she passed that life lesson on to all the students she encountered. Betty was presented with the Teacher of the Year award in several schools where she taught. This award recognizes outstanding educators at local, state and national levels for their excellence, leadership and impact on students. After teaching in public schools away from the Emanuel County area, Betty was asked to return to become the Director of the Sheriff's Youth Home at Herrington Homestead in Nunez. She worked there for several years using her skills of organization and caring for the children that came her way through this facility. Betty’s unwavering love and commitment to that campus and to the children kept her teaching abilities alive even though she was not in a classroom. She wanted to instill core values in each of them, giving them unconditional love, teaching them respect for others, and for them to become responsible citizens. Her greatest joy was spending time with her son and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Coleman is preceded in death by her sister, Helen Womack; and brother, Kenneth Coleman.
Mrs. Coleman is survived by her son, Dennis Durden; grandchildren, Randon Durden and Emma Durden; sisters, Ellen C. Allen (Ray) and Martha Reeves (Grover); brother, David Coleman (Wanda); sister-in-law, Versie Coleman; nieces, nephews and extended family.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in memory of Betty Coleman to Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Home, Herrington Homestead 8109 GA Hwy 297 Nunez, GA 30448
Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.
