Jean Coleman went to be with God on October 4th after bravely battling breast cancer for 5 years. She handled every setback with courage and optimism, and was a true role model for all who knew her. Her late husband, Don Coleman, was waiting for her in heaven, along with her parents Inez and Olan Vail. Jean was born July 17, 1942 in Ada Oklahoma, and spent the first 20 years of her life there. She was proud of her Chickasaw heritage and how she made sure her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were able to be Chickasaw citizens.

After living in several different states, Jean relocated to Springfield, MO with her three children. She was the best Mom and “Nanny,” who was always there for her family. She made many lifelong friends while living in Springfield, especially while living in Ravenwood and Rountree neighborhoods!

Jean enjoyed many different careers throughout her life. She was an LPN, a librarian, an administrative assistant, a hand-writing analyst, a bookkeeper, and owner of her own frame shop.

In her retirement years Jean was involved in many different volunteer activities. Jean volunteered for the Rape Crisis center, Rare Breed, Harmony House, Well of Life food pantry, and St. Agnes Elementary. She also enjoyed playing Mahjongg with the Springfield Hospitality Club, and was active in more than one book club. Her library card was so used it was taped together, but she refused to get a new one because she wanted to keep the same number.

Jean’s marriage to Don was late in life, but some of the most enjoyable, loving years of her life. They were able to enjoy numerous activities, including MSU Bears games, watching baseball, attending St. Agnes Cathedral, volunteering, having barbecues in the backyard, family time with her children and their families, fun vacations to Texas and New Mexico, and much more. Jean and Don packed a lot into their 24 years together.

Jean was known for her quick wit and for not beating around the bush and just telling it like it is. She would say, even to her grandchildren, “Now remember—what’s said at the table stays at the table”; “Oh what tangled webs we weave when we practice to deceive”; “Pretty is as pretty does”. She was always fun and entertaining at get-togethers as she loved to cook and have people over.

Surviving Jean are: her children Greg Gwin, Greta Green (husband Glenn), and Diane Gwin; her grandchildren Logan Green (wife Emily), Landon Green, Collin Gwin, and Claire Gwin; two great-granddaughters Avery and Ellie Green; her sister Dru Epperly and nephews Eric and Russel Epperly; along with many friends. Jean will be greatly missed; however, her family takes solace in knowing she has no more cancer and no more suffering.

Jean’s family would like to thank her many doctors, the St. Croix hospice nurses, the other caretakers through hospice, the Common Bond nurses, and the staff and nurses at The Fremont Senior Living, who showed her care and compassion in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church on October 9th at 11:00 am. A private burial will take place at a later date.