Tawana Sue Coleman

Tawana Sue Coleman, 81, of Fort Smith, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She was born April 11, 1944 in Fort Smith to the late W.H. and Hilda (Ball) Cole, Jr. She grew up in Alma and graduated valedictorian from Alma High School in 1962. On December 22, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Ronnie Coleman. They spent 62 loving and adventurous years together.

Tawana began her career in the dental field as an office manager for New Health Dental. Because of her exceptional teaching skills, she became a consultant for Arrowhead Dental Laboratory in Sandy, Utah, where she trained office personnel throughout the United States and Scandinavia.

In addition to being a gifted decorator, Tawana was a gracious and generous host. She had the gift of hospitality and was the ultimate Southern cook. Her fried okra is legendary.

A woman of deep faith, Tawana touched countless lives whether teaching Sunday School, leading Bible studies, or ministering in the workplace.

She is survived by her husband, Ronnie; her sons, Dr. Ryan Coleman (Jami) and Bearden Coleman (Dr. Laura Summerhill); her daughter, Meredith Eddins (Eric); and eight cherished grandchildren, Grady Coleman, Cole Eddins, Maggie Coleman, Sutton Eddins, Sawyer Eddins, Sadie Eddins, Konjit Coleman, and Lu Na Sue Coleman.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Rye Hill Baptist Church, 11501 U.S. Highway 71 South in Fort Smith with interment to follow at Morrison Cemetery in Rudy, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Grady Coleman, Cole Eddins, Sawyer Eddins, Sutton Eddins, Dr. Kendall Roberts, Bryant Dooly, and Eric Eddins. Dr. Larry Price, Wayne King, and Danny Cross will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

Ronnie and the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Methodist Village for the exceptional love and care they gave Tawana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rye Hill Baptist Church at 11501 US Highway 71 South, Fort Smith 72916 or online at www.ryehillbc.org or the Good Samaritan Clinic at 1400 South Zero Street, Fort Smith 72901 or online at www.goodsamaritanfs.com.