Corene Toner

Corene Toner, 94, passed away on February 27, 2025, with peace in her heart and love all around her.

Corene (Rene) was born on May 30, 1930, in Stanton, Texas, to Frank Wilks and Eva Lee Herrington. She earned an Associate of Arts in Nursing Education in 1951 and received her RN at Shannon Memorial Hospital the following year. She joined the Navy as a nurse in 1952. While serving at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston, she met a patient named Bill, who asked her to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. That night was the beginning of a beautiful love story, and they went on to share 54 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

Corene was a loving and kind person who cherished her faith and was devoted to her family. She found joy in volunteering at church, cooking, baking, and reading. She will always be remembered for her generous heart, gentle spirit, and the delicious pecan bars she baked with love.

Corene is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann Roads (Chris); grandchildren, Corene Poindexter (Devin) and William Roads; great-grandson, Beau; and many beloved family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Toner; parents, Frank and Eva Lee Herrington; and siblings, Frank Herrington and Eva Mae Wright.

A funeral service will be held on March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church at 3738 North Old Sabino Canyon Road. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or consider planting a tree in her honor.

Though Corene’s time on this earth is complete, she now rests in the eternal peace of God’s kingdom. She is no longer with us in body, but her spirit lives on in the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the faith she carried.