Mrs. Thelma Coleman Marshall

February 22, 1919 - January 24, 2017

Thelma Veronica Coleman Marshall was born in Tampa, ( Ybor City) Florida. Thelma's biological parents were killed in an automobile accident . After her parent's death, Thelma was taken to Savannah, GA by her older . sister Alice Baker. She was adopted by The Vanderbilt Coleman family in Savannah. The Coleman's were excellent parents who provided a stable environment and taught both spiritual and moral values to their adopted daughter. When Thelma was in high school she decided that she would pursue a career in nursing. Having completed high school with excellent grades, Thelma entered training at University Hospital in Augusta, GA in 1937. She chose University hospital because of it's proximity to her home town . In 1945 after practicing in several hospitals and working as a private duty nurse, she developed an interest in public health nursing . While serving in this capacity she decide to further her education. She first earned a certificate in public health nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and in the 1950s a bachelor's degree in public health nursing from the University of Michigan. She served as a public health nurse at the Chatham County health department for 36 years, eventually becoming the first black supervisor there. The year 1960 was very memorable for Thelma Coleman. At age 41, she married Frederick C. Marshall, a letter carrier and they adopted a four year-old baby girl named Gwendolyn. After the union the newlyweds continued working using a local child care center for day care for their daughter. With her daughter well cared for, Marshall continued to make a huge impact on the families she served and developed lasting friendships . She was a member of Butler Presbyterian Church for 65+ years, where she served as a Deacon, an elder, she served on the Trustee board, she was the financial secretary, a member of the Chancel choir , the H.M .Scott Circle and numerous other organizations. She was also involved in several social and civic organizations locally and nationally. She is survived by a devoted daughter and son-in law, Gwendolyn and Joseph Yarbor, II of Atlanta, Georgia, a granddaughter, Serena Yarbor of Atlanta, Georgia, a great-granddaughter Layla C. Brown of Atlanta, Georgia a goddaughter Harriette J. Brinson of Jacksonville, Florida and a host of relatives and friends..