Melissa Jeanette Coleman

Melissa Jeanette Coleman

June 7, 1956 – October 5, 2026

Melissa Jeanette “Missy” Coleman, 70, passed away on October 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

Missy was born on June 7, 1956, to Richard and Stella Jackson Coleman. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1974.

Missy spent most of her life in Keno, where she grew up in a home where family was always at the center. Sunday family dinners were a tradition, and the Coleman home was rarely quiet, with family and friends always coming and going. It was a home filled with conversation, laughter, food, and the kind of togetherness that created memories lasting a lifetime.

Over the years, Missy worked at the Bulk Foods Store and as a librarian at Chester School. She had a wonderfully creative spirit, a big imagination, and a love for writing. She was also a talented crafter who enjoyed making things with her hands. She was known for making candy, crocheting angels, and creating items to sell at craft fairs. Whether she was writing, crafting, or creating something to share with someone else, Missy found joy in bringing her ideas to life.

Faith was an important part of Missy’s life. She served as a Sunday school teacher at the Keno Church of Christ, where she shared her faith and her love for children. Missy had a special way of making even the smallest voice feel heard and important. She genuinely enjoyed caring for children, listening to what they had to say, and making them feel valued. It was a gift that came naturally to her and one that left an impression on many of the children whose lives crossed hers.

Those who knew Missy knew how much she loved Christmas. The season brought together so many things she enjoyed—creating, giving, family, and bringing happiness to others. She loved choosing and making gifts and finding ways to make Christmas special for the people around her.

Missy also loved to travel, especially when her travels took her to the beach. She enjoyed seeing new places and spending time near the water. And anyone who knew Missy knew she was a huge Barry Manilow fan. His music was a longtime favorite and one of the many simple pleasures that brought her happiness.

For the last 15 years, Missy made her home at Ravenswood Station, where she was surrounded by many friends who became an important part of her life. The friendships and community she found there brought companionship, laughter, and many special memories to her later years.

Missy is survived by her sister, Martha Coleman Durst; her nieces and nephews, Ben Bryant, Charlie (Sue) Bryant, Elizabeth (Howard) Lawrence, Debbie (Rick) Barringer, Diana (Jeff) Kimes, David (Cindy) Durst, and Dennis (Kim) Durst; and her great-niece, Sarah Lawrence. Missy shared a special bond with Elizabeth and Sarah, watching them both grow up and sharing countless moments and memories together throughout the years. That bond remained close throughout her life, with Elizabeth and Sarah by her side as she peacefully passed. She is also survived by a large extended family of cousins; her dear friends, Cathy, Patty, and Marilyn; and numerous other family members and friends who will cherish their memories of Missy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Stella Jackson Coleman; her sisters, Virginia Coleman Harl and Merrilee Coleman Bryant; her brother-in-law, William Durst; and her dear friends, Mert and Lou.

While those who loved Missy grieve her passing, they find comfort in knowing that her earthly journey has ended and that she has been welcomed into her eternal home. There is peace in believing she has been reunited with those who went before her and now rests in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Missy will be remembered for her faith, her big imagination, her creativity, her caring heart, the things she made, the stories she wrote, the gifts she gave, and the way she made others feel that what they had to say mattered.

Most of all, she will be remembered by the family and friends whose lives were made brighter simply by having Missy in them. Though she will be deeply missed, those who loved her take comfort in the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Meigs County Shop with a Cop in Missy’s memory. With her deep love of Christmas, children, and giving to others, helping bring Christmas joy to a child is a fitting way to honor Missy and continue her spirit of generosity. Checks can be made to Loyalty is Forever, C/O Meigs County Sheriff Department, 104 E. Second Street, Pomeroy, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held at 6pm, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at White Funeral Home, in Coolville, Ohio, with Pastors Chris and Greta Davis officiating. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, from 5pm until the time of the service. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4