Emerald Inez Vanderhorst

Emerald Inez Vanderhorst, 35, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. She was an innocent victim of the senseless violence that is a plague upon our young people today.
She was born on May 5, 1990 in Ashtabula, the daughter of Toni Coleman.
Toni moved the family to Cleveland, Ohio where she attended and graduated from Glenville High School. Emerald was a avid reader and she thirsted for education & knowledge. She attended, graduated, and received her nursing degree from The Valley College of Cleveland. Emerald went on to attend and graduate from the Air Force Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Afterwards, she honorably served four years in the Air Force Reserve. Emerald will be forever loved and missed. But we grieve some-what less knowing she is with her Grandma Ollie, Auntie Tomi (Big Sexy) and all of our Family Elders.
Emerald was not a perfect person, but; she was a great mother, worked hard to provide for her children, and she always placed them first. She had finally gotten a good job as a Medical Assistant with North Shore Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Care Center, when this tragedy happened.
She was preceded in death by her aunt, Tomi Coleman; paternal great-grandparents, Ollie M. and Junior B. Coleman; maternal great-grandfather, Euesbio (Sam) Mora; and her great uncles, James E. Miller, Theo Miller, and Euesbio (Chico) Mora Jr.
Emerald leaves behind a village to morn her loss & treasure her memory: Three daughters, Slader Moss (Gabby) Coleman, Aubrey (Fat-fat) Tolbert, and Laylah (May-May) Pondexter; one son, Liam Vanderhorst; mother, Toni Coleman; sister, Domanina (Da- Da) Fleming; brother JaMario (Donique) Coleman; grandparents, Tom and Adelia Coleman; great-grandmothers, Mercedes and Barbara Mora; two nephews, Ramir and Zakia Coleman; and two nieces, Naveah and Amari Coleman.
Emerald loved her nieces & nephews even when her oldest nephew asked: "Auntie Emmi are you going to have a baby" and Emerald told him no. He said "Oh-you're just fat then".
She will also be deeply missed by her aunt, Chyni (Tommy) Castle; uncle, Theo Coleman; many great aunts (Mora family & Perkins family); and many cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 12PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Peoples Baptist Church, 3837 West Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004, with Rev. Dr. German Womack officiating. Calling hour will be held from 11AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Saybrook Cemetery, 7247 Center Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004.
Memorials contributions may be made to the family.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd. Ashtabula, OH 44004. Online obituary and condolences can be made at www.ducro.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emerald, please visit our floral store.