Noble
Colleen LaVerne Brown Noble, 79, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Waycross.
Born October 30, 1946, in Blackshear, she lived a life of dedication to her family, education, and community. Her early years were spent in Blacks hear, where she attended Lee Street Elementary and High School. A bright and diligent student, she graduated as class Salutatorian in 1964. She continued her education at The National School of Business in Nashville, Tennessee, earning an associate of business degree in secretarial science.
Her academic journey did not end there. After marrying her husband, Dr. John Charles Noble, PhD., the couple moved to Port Gibson, Mississippi. There, Colleen pursued her passion for teaching and furthered her education at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, where she earned both a bachelor and master's degree in science education. Later in life, Colleen and her husband relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, to be closer to their daughter and her family. In Jacksonville, she continued teaching science while advancing her studies at Jacksonville University. She earned an education specialist degree before eventually returning to her hometown of Blackshear to complete her teaching career and dedicate herself to community service.
Her contributions to the community were as remarkable as her professional achievements. She was instrumental in organizing an annual Martin Luther King Jr. banquet and parade in Blackshear to honor outstanding citizens and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. She also helped establish the Lee Street All Class Reunion, held biennially to bring together former students and graduates to share their successes. Her civic involvement extended further as a member of the Pierce County Board of Elections and Registration and the Pierce County Library Board. She even ran for a position on the city council. A woman of many talents and boundless energy, she was known for her love of cooking, decorating and entertaining. Her family was the center of her world. Her daughter, Dr. Stephanie Noble, DDS, son-in-law Admiral Alvin Holsey, United States Navy (Retired) and grandchildren Lieutenant Joshua Holsey (Ashley) of the United States Navy and Dr. Jordan Holsey, M.D., brought her immense joy and pride.
She was deeply rooted in her faith from an early age. She joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Blackshear as a child, where she sang in the choir and served as Sunday school secretary. Upon returning to Blackshear later in life, she resumed her membership at Zion where she served diligently until God called her to eventually transfer her membership to Fourth Mount Olive Church where she remained a devoted member until her health declined; however, she continued to read and study her Bible daily.
Her vibrant personality left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a source of inspiration through her dedication to education, community service, and family. Her memory will continue to bring comfort and joy to those whose lives she touched so profoundly.
May she rest in peace knowing that her legacy lives on through the lives of those whom she touched!
Please continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. John Charles Noble; parents, John Edward Brown Sr. and Lula Holmes Brown; brother, John Edward Brown Jr. and sisters, Georgia Annette Brown Farley and Barbara Brown Leaphart.
Survivors include her beloved daughter, Stephanie and son-in-law, Alvin; cherished grandchildren Joshua (Ashley) and Jordan; one brother William Brown (Margo), Atlanta; sisters Madeline White, Hyattsville, MD and Ethel Lambert (Ron), Savannah.
A celebration of her life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, from the Fourth Mount Olive Church with Pastor Morris Pate bringing words of comfort.
Reflections were given by her neighbors, Lisa Curry and Mya Curry, by her family member, Dorothy Brown and by a church member, Margaret Holmes.
Old Testament reading was given by Dr. Jordan Holsey. New Testament reading was given by Charley Lambert.
Musical selections were rendered by Tonya LeSure and Joe and Lisa Curry.
Honorary pallbearers were Admiral Alvin Holsey, Lt. Joshua Holsey, Dr. Jordan Holsey, Willliam Brown, Ray Leaphart and Ronald Lambert.
Services of care and comfort were entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home, 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross.
