Iris Elizabeth Coleman

Mrs. Iris Elizabeth Covington Coleman, 73, of Catawba passed away after a short illness on Friday, February 7, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Iris was the daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth Carothers Covington and Oscar Henry Covington, Sr. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Coleman.

Those left to cherish her memory are children Laurel Coleman Hilton (Chris), Matthew Coleman (Katie), grandchildren Coleman Hilton, Carter Hilton, Brynn Elizabeth Coleman and Ava Grace Coleman. Also surviving are her siblings Oscar Henry Covington, Jr. (Lula), Virginia Covington Moss (Haskell), Ellen Covington Chio (Floyd), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Iris was a devoted member of Edgemoor ARP Church. She was active in numerous social and civic organizations at the local and state levels. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, and was involved in many church-based committees over the years in various roles. Most notably, she was the Spiritual Life Chairperson for the Catawba ARP Women's Ministries. She served the South Carolina Family and Community Leaders (SCFCL) of Chester as a Vice President and was in two clubs: The Edgemoor Club and the Jolly Quilters Club. In addition, she served as the Chairman of the Chester County FCL Scholarship Committee and state FCL Parliamentarian, just to name a few. Through the church, she faithfully served the Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen in Chester. She also enjoyed her time with the Rogers Memorial Never Grow Old Club each month.

Mrs. Coleman was a graduate of Winthrop College and primarily taught and tutored Math for 48 years, but also taught German and English. She taught at Buckroe Beach High School, York Middle School, Rock Hill High School, Northwestern High School, Lewisville High School, Catawba (now Westminster Catawba School), and Saint Anne's Catholic School. Iris found her true calling at Winthrop University and retired after 25 years teaching there. As a passionate educator, she grew very close to her students and coworkers and treasured each and every one. She also spent a short time as a substitute rural mail carrier because she always wanted to see what it would be like.

Iris was blessed by God in many ways. Her family would like to give a special thanks to those who showed their love and appreciation for her throughout her life, especially the tremendous support she received at the end of her life and the thoughts and memories that people shared with her. Iris made an impact on many people's lives and the family would like to collect memories (pictures, stories, videos, media recordings, etc.) to share with her grandchildren. Please send these to: MemoriesOfIrisColeman@gmail.com .

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home, Rock Hill.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Edgemoor ARP Church. Interment will follow at Neely's Creek ARP Church Cemetery. Services will be led by Rev. Bob Elliott III.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edgemoor ARP Church (PO Box 20, Edgemoor, SC 29712) or bless someone directly in her memory because this "Little Ole County Girl from Newport" with a great big heart loved to bless others.

The family would like to thank her team of caregivers on the 3rd floor of Piedmont Medical Center for the loving care provided to Iris during her illness.

Online condolences may be registered at www.basscares.com

Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home is serving the Coleman family.