Lyla Coleman, 68, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Stonebridge Villa Marie Skilled Nursing facility in Jefferson City.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, Missouri, with William W. Harlow officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com
Lyla was born June 7, 1955, in Kirksville, Missouri, the third child of Lyle and Georgia (Ford) Coleman, and little sister to two older brothers, Robert Eugene and Kenneth Roland. She was preceded in death by her father in 2017, her mother in 2019, her brother Kenneth in 2005 and an infant son, Robert, who died at birth in 1981.
Lyla graduated from Leadwood High School in 1973. After graduation Lyla began working in nursing homes, and took training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked in this capacity for several years, and also worked in housekeeping in nursing facilities in the Jefferson City area.
Due to numerous health issues, Lyla retired from working and had resided in a skilled nursing facility for seven years prior to her death. She had many friends at the nursing home who said she was sweet, friendly, and caring, and always had a big smile for everyone. Lyla was one of four ladies in the facility that everyone called “the Golden Girls.” She liked participating in all of the activities at the facility, especially bingo. She attended craft classes and loved creating gifts for friends and family. Lyla liked going on the facility bus for outings with the other residents, but especially enjoyed shopping excursions with her sister-in-law, Kathy Coleman, and they always made a “girls day” of it.
Lyla loved animals, especially dogs, and had several as pets with her parents. She was especially drawn to babies and little children. Lyla’s true loves were her faith and her family. For many years, she was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Linn, and then College Hill Baptist Church until her move to the nursing home. She treasured family gatherings, reunions and holidays. Lyla kept up with her family’s activities on Facebook, and was so excited to see their pictures and hear of their achievements. Although she did not have a list, she amazingly kept each family member‘s birthdate in her head, and each person could expect a phone call from her on their birthday.
Lyla is survived by her brother, Robert E Coleman of Jefferson City and sisters-in-law, Darlene Behlmann of Fulton and Kathy Coleman (Ken) of Springfield. Lyla cared deeply for her two nieces and two nephews, her ten great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and extended family members.