Debi Coleman has spent almost 40 years of her life as a teacher. She has worked in public schools, in private schools, and for homeschoolers. She has taught every age from kindergarten through high school. On the weekends, she can be found at Fellowship Bible Church, not only attending but also—you guessed it—teaching Sunday school. Interestingly, Debi’s passion for teaching came as a surprise to her, during her undergraduate years.

“[Teaching] was not something I had ever considered until I needed to decide on a major,” she said. “One summer, I assisted at St. James Day School, and I realized that I truly enjoyed it.” Debi returned to The University of Texas in Austin, declared her major, and never looked back. She graduated from UT in 1974 and earned her master’s from East Texas State University (now TAMU–T) in 1981.

“I am fortunate to have a close family that all live in Texarkana. I spend time with them and all their various activities.”

— Debi Coleman

Debi has taught in “many places and situations,” she said, but the lion’s share of her early career was spent with Texarkana Independent School District, where she was employed from 1984 to 2006. In 1995, she was given the district-wide Teacher of the Year Award, which she said many would recognize as her greatest professional achievement. “I think, though, my greatest achievements were following the successes of many students as they grew and matured, and hearing about their triumphs and experiences while in pursuit of their careers,” she reflected. “It always astounds me when I run into a former student and they remember me.”

After retiring from TISD, Debi taught at Veritas Academy for seven years and then homeschooled for three years. Now, she teaches for the Texarkana Regional Alliance of Christian Educators (TRACE), a group of educators who are contracted to teach courses to local homeschool students. Debi currently teaches elementary Latin, elementary science, and middle school science. “I love the opportunities to guide students in opening their eyes to all the wonders in the world,” she said.

Spirituality is important to Debi, who became a Christian as an adult, after the death of her mother and two months before the birth of Debi’s first child. “As an only child, it was challenging trying to come alongside my daddy in his grief while also trying to figure out how to be a mother,” she recalled. “My husband was a good support, but it was during this time that I came to recognize and believe in Jesus Christ as my lord and savior and companion. The reality of his presence, Bible study, and close Christian friends gave me the guidance I needed.”

Debi is the widow of Mike Coleman, who died in 2008 at age 56. She has two daughters, one bonus daughter, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. “I am fortunate to have a close family that all live in Texarkana,” she said. “I spend time with them and all their various activities.”

Debi loves spending time with her grandchildren. Here she is pictured with her grandchildren at Christmas 2021.
submitted photo

In addition to her career, church engagement, and family involvement, Debi also serves on the board of Opportunities, Inc. She formerly volunteered with the Junior League of Texarkana, the American Heart Association, the Red Lick ISD school board, and the American Red Cross.

Debi still manages to find free time, much of which she spends outside, working in her yard or swimming and kayaking near her cabin in Arkansas. Most especially, she said, she looks forward every single day to winding down with a good book.

FSLM ASKED DEBI…

What is something most people don’t know about you? I was a talented horse rider, winning blue ribbons and walk, trot, and canter horse shows.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I thought it would be fun to be an archaeologist, traveling the world to find ancient treasures.

What are your favorite local spots to spend time? I love to see the revitalization that is occurring in downtown Texarkana. Some of my most visited places are Café Lucille, The Banana Club, Verona, and The Stained Page.

Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community.

Laura Bailey’s Words:

Debi has served the children of Texarkana for many years as an educator. She taught in TISD and, after retiring, has continued to teach in private schools and as a tutor. She is also involved in the children’s ministry and AWANA program at Fellowship Bible Church. Debi serves with an energetic enthusiasm that radiates to the children and others around her. Observing Debi, you can see her passion and love for investing in the lives of children. What I appreciate about Debi is her quiet strength and deep faith when faced with trials, while still serving others with her energy and a smile.

Feature Stories

Tribute to Women: Debi Coleman