Marti Coley, the former Marti Bontrager from Blountstown, Florida, has been a long-time resident of Jackson County.  She attended Chipola Junior College from January 1980 to August 1981.  She then went on to graduate from Florida State University in 1984 with a degree in English Education. 

Coley began her teaching career in Thomasville, Georgia. However, she has taught in Jackson County since 1985.  When Marti and her husband David moved to Marianna in 1985, she began teaching at Malone High School where she remained until 1989.  Coley then moved to the college level and has taught college prep English classes at Chipola for the last sixteen years.

Mrs. Coley has been actively involved with the local schools as a parent volunteer and was a previous member of the Golson Elementary School Advisory Board.  In the early 90’s, she also served on the Board of Directors for the Stopover House, a temporary shelter for children awaiting foster care. 

Mrs. Coley was married to David Coley for the last 23 years until his death in March of 2005.  They have three children:  Kristin, Vance, and Hunter.  All attend public schools in Jackson County.

Mrs. Coley announced her candidacy for the House of Representatives, District 7 seat on April 25, 2005.  She was elected with more than eighty percent of the vote during the special election.  Representative Coley was reelected in 2006 and is seeking another term in 2008.