Coney was born in Gallatin, Tenn., and grew up in Indianapolis, where she lived all her life.
She was a graduate of Butler University.
Coney put herself through Butler University by delivering newspapers and working at the Ayers Tea Room.
She then went on to complete postgraduate studies at Indiana State University, Western Reserve University and Columbia University.
The group disbanded in 1984 because of the Coneys’ poor health.