MERIBELLE “MERI” LOUISE (JONES) PORTER COFFMAN
Meribelle “Meri” Louise (Jones) Porter Coffman of Lakeland Florida a devoted Christian, avid adventurer, and cherished musician, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the age of 93.
She was born on July 14, 1931 in Troy, OH to Merritt and Bertha “Betsy” Ann (Robison) Jones.
Meri grew up in Milan, MO where her parents owned and operated the town creamery, which perhaps led to her love of ice cream.
She graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, MO in 1953 with a degree in Education and Music.
Meri was united in Holy Matrimony to Vernon Porter in Milan, MO on August 7, 1955. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1980.
She remarried to Henry Reed Coffman in Kansas City, MO on November 23, 1985. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2024. She was also preceded in death by her parents and stepdaughter Myra Lynn Winans.
Meri is survived by her children Ted Porter and wife Leisa of Baytown, TX, Chris Porter of Port Charlotte, FL, Elizabeth Porter and Todd Felix of Steamboat Springs, CO, Ginger Porter Janssen and husband Robb Janssen of Basalt, CO, stepson Phillip Coffman and wife Terah of Murphy, TX, stepson-in-law Rick Winans of Kansas City, MO, eleven grandchildren, five step grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one step great grandchild.
Meri’s life was filled with music, travel, and a deep commitment to her Christian faith. She was a talented pianist, organist, clarinet player, teacher, researcher and writer. She planned summer vacations as her children were growing up. Her adventurous spirit led their family to all 48 contiguous states along with Mexico and Canada. Winter vacations led them many times to Colorado where she and the family enjoyed skiing, influencing her two daughters to now call it home. After she retired, she and Henry traveled to many countries including Italy, Germany, England, France, Russia, and Ecuador, along with twice to Israel where Meri played clarinet during the Feast of Tabernacles.
A celebration of Meri’s life will be held 11am, Thursday, September 5th at Resthaven Mortuary in Trenton, MO.
Burial services will follow at Martin Cemetery north of Trenton.
Meri’s legacy is a symphony written with love, faith, music, and adventure. Rest in peace, Meri, mom, grandma, great grandma.
Donations to Hope for Dementia https:// hopefordementia.org/ product/dementia-charity-donations/ and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation https:// www.ftpf.org/donate are welcome.
