Earnestine Andrews Coleman Toombes

Mrs. Earnestine Andrews Coleman Toombes, 83, of Chase City, VA entered eternal rest Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Vidant Inpatient Hospice, Greenville, NC. Mrs. Toombes was born in Chase city, VA October 28, 1928 to the late Richard and Irene Andrews. She attended Chase City Graded School and Thyne Institute. She moved to New Jersey where she received her GED from Plainfield High School. She also studied at Kean University in Union, NJ. She received her Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Somerset College in New Jersey. In addition, Mrs. Toombes obtained her Real Estate sales agent certification in New Jersey. Mrs. Toombes was a member of New Beginning Apostolic Deliverance Center, South Hill, VA. Earnestine’s other passion was African-American History. For over forty years she served as an active member of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH), founded by the late Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1915. She served on the Associations’ National Board, Organizer of a New Jersey Chapter and officer of state and local chapters. She received a trophy from the Journal of Negro History for Exemplary Loyalty and Support and the Community Service Award for Appreciation for the cause of Peace and Freedom from the New Democratic Party, New Jersey Chapter. She also served as a member of the fund raising committee for the African National Congress of South Africa. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Toombes was preceded in death by former spouses, John H. Coleman,  Waddie Hudgins and James E. Toombes; four siblings Russell Walker, Luvenia Lewis, Drucilla Allen and Richard Andrews Jr. Cherishing her memories are one son, Jerry Coleman (Cathy) of Lawrenceville, New Jersey; one daughter, Rose Long (Will Roger) Forest Park, IL; stepson, Anthony Hudgins (Joan) of East Windsor, NJ; two sisters, Elsie Hatcher (Robert), Joyce Maxine Peaks of Chase City, VA; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; four sisters-in-law, Lena Walker, Joanne Andrews, Virginia McBride and Teresa Coleman; two brothers-in-law, Albert Toombs (Estelle) and Floyd Toombs (Shirley) and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Earnestine Andrews Coleman Toombes will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Chase City, VA with Rev. Dr. Ricky A. Lee delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow in Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Viewing will be from 2:00 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Friday. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.