Loretta Coleman

Loretta Sue Coleman, daughter of Leonard and Zula (Biggs) Terry, was born May 29, 1944 in Bixby, Oklahoma. She passed from this life to be with the Lord on January 29, 2022 at her home in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 77 years and 8 months.

Sue was married to Gerald Coleman on October 5, 1962 and she lived most of her married life in Stilwell, OK. She owned and operated the Christian Family Bookstore in conjunction with the Stilwell Tag Agency. She was Tag Agent for 28 years retiring in 2006. The bookstore was in operation for 25+ years.. She thought of and used that venue as a personal ministry to all that came through the door.

Sue was first and foremost a faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ. She lived her life in a way that served God in every thought and action. She was not perfect but really worked at living pleasing to the Lord.

Sue and Gerald attended the Freewill Baptist Worship Center in Tahlequah for the last several years. They were both involved in church operations - Gerald on the outside mowing and Sue on the inside sewing! She organized and motivated other ladies to join her in making tie-tack comforts for the needy in the community and to send 25-30 twice a year to the Mission in Mexico that they supported. Sue and Gerald would gather school supplies, hygiene items and age appropriate Spanish coloring books or toys. Spanish Bibles were also supplied. These items were placed in backpacks and sent to the Missionary every July and December. The children of Mexico are not allowed to attend school if they don't have their own supplies Trips to distribute the comforts and backpacks were a great highlight of their service to our Lord. The comfort-making efforts will be carried on by their daughter and other Servants of the Lord which brought much joy and happiness to Sue.

Sue loved Southern Gospel music. She enjoyed going with her family to any concerts - "singings" - that was even remotely close enough to attend. Sue and Gerald attended the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky for many years until health began to interfere with desires.

Sue was an avid quilter. Her two children, 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren usually got a "MawMaw' quilt every Christmas! She always made very beautiful quilts that she made and gave to the Missionaries they supported and other special friends in the community.

Sue made a lasting impression on all she met; treating people with respect and the Love of Christ was her way. All that knew her loved her and she will be greatly missed.

It was Sue's greatest wish and heartfelt desire that all her family would make Jesus Christ Lord of their lives and would live a life pleasing to Him. Her message to anyone listening would be "There is only one way to join me - give your life to Jesus, make Him your Lord and Master and serve Him. Then when your own journey is over, you can join me in Heaven with Jesus Himself. I love you."

She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Zula Terry, brother David Terry and a host of other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

Sue is survived by her husband of 59 years Gerald Coleman of the home in Stilwell, OK; daughter Catherine Ross and husband Clyde of Stilwell, OK; son Michael Coleman and wife Melinda of Kansas City, KS; grandchildren David Rye and wife Samantha of Fort Gibson, OK, Jarrod Rye and wife Michelle of Stilwell, OK, Tiffany Monholland and significant other Brian Box of Muskogee, OK, Tesla Hodges and husband Drew of Siloam Springs, AR and Brett Coleman of Stilwell, OK; great grandchildren Nate Rye, Kyle Rye, Damien Mayton, Mariah Mayton, Katelyn Mayton, Kalub Mayton and Makayla Mayton all of Fort Gibson, OK, Jaydon Rye of Muskogee, OK, Dillon Coon and Lisa Ruben of Stilwell, OK Michael Ray and Travis Monholland of Muskogee, OK and Owen Hodges of Siloam Springs, AR.