Barbara Sue Coffman

Barbara Sue Edwards Coffman Lakeland - Barbara Sue Edwards Coffman, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully on Monday, November 7, 2016 at the Presbyterian Homes in Lakeland, FL. Barbara was born on June 25, 1937 in Centralia, MO to Margaret and Creed Edwards. She was in the Girl Scouts and a member of Eastern Star, and graduated from Centralia High School in 1955. She earned a Bachelor""s Degree in Business Education in 1959 from the University of Missouri and married George Washington Coffman the following year. They moved to Kansas, where she taught high school for three years. They later relocated to Maryland and she became a homemaker, then later mother to Brenda and Gordon. She taught Sunday school at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, where she and her family were members for several years. They moved to Lakeland in 1984 after George""s retirement and they remained in Lakeland for the rest of her life. In addition to raising her children, Barbara was an active member and volunteer at First United Methodist Church and involved in several organizations, including PEACE, The United Methodist Women and Habitat for Humanity. She also volunteered with the Polk County Democratic Party and enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and spending time with friends and family. Barbara loved to travel and she and George visited Europe and 49 states during their marriage. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, George, her children Brenda Coffman Bonney and Gordon Coffman, granddaughter MacKenna Bonney, several nieces, nephews and a number of other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL, in the chapel. The family asks that attendees dress in bright colors at the service. She will be interred in the Columbarium at FUMC shortly before the service and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and The Hydrocephalus Association (ww.hydroassoc.org). The family expresses their deep gratitude to the staff and volunteers at The Presbyterian Homes for their help and support. Service: 11/19/2016 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801