MESSAGE FORUM (TO ALL)

Josephine Coleman
Godfrey - Josephine (Mickoff) Coleman, 97 died Friday April 7, 2023, at Christian Hospital Northeast surrounded by family. She was born March 4, 1926, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and moved to Alton, Illinois with her family when she was a child. On April 12th, 1947 she married the love of her life, John Coleman and they lived in Godfrey Illinois where they raised their family of four children. Jo's commitment to taking care of others was evidenced by her decision to become a nurse. Her training was facilitated by the United States Cadet Nurse program during WWII when there was a need for medical personnel to support our troops. Because the war ended before her graduation from the Alton Memorial Hospital Nursing Program in 1947 she never had to serve. However, that did not diminish her commitment to serve others. She maintained her nursing license and worked actively until age 95. She spent her primary career at Alton State Hospital (Alton Mental Health Center). After retiring from full time work, she continued part-time nursing with organizations that included The Illinois Department of Human Services, and William M. BeDell ARC. The only thing she loved more than nursing, was the time spent with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Coleman, her daughter Su Batson, her sisters Lillian (Tom) Bennett, Lucille (Clarence) Smith, and her parents, Tony and Anna (Jelinek) Mickoff. She is survived by sons, John D. Coleman, Tony (Heather) Coleman, Bill (Shirley) Coleman and her son-in-law, Steve Batson. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. The number of her extended family (otherwise known as friends who loved her) cannot be counted. Please join us for a celebration of a life well lived. Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2023. Pastor Chris Bean will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to William M. BeDell ARC. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Published by The Telegraph from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2023.

04/13/23 05:58 PM

#1791

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Our condolences to our classmate Jerry Sims on the loss of his mother Hulda Pearl Sims:

Jerry's daughter wrote this tribute to her grandma:

Heaven has gained the most precious person. My grandma, Hulda Pearl Sims, gained her wings last night at the age of 96. She was so special to our family and if you knew her even the slightest bit, you knew she had an unwavering love for Christ and a deep passion for serving and witnessing. It was the core of who she was and how she lived her life. She spent far more time volunteering for churches and organizations than she did for any paid job and was a true homemaker who made the best meals and could sew, quilt, crochet, craft, and can goods like no other. She was a tremendous giver; giving her time to serve others and giving whatever she had to meet others’ needs. She loved big and always told us how much she loved us and how proud she was of us. She was especially thankful for Sloan because she knew how much work it was to get him here and always reminded me that God is still in the miracle working business. She made a point to pray for all of our family and friends daily. She was so diligent and intentional that she kept a prayer book of names so that she wouldn’t forget anyone. She never failed to mail us a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or just because card and did that to make us feel special. I could go on and on about the wonderful memories we made over the years, but I know she wouldn’t want me to tell you how incredible she is. She would want me to tell you how incredible Jesus Christ is and how we have a way, the truth, and a life through Him and only Him. She has been the spiritual leader of our family and although it pains my heart to lose her, we are rejoicing knowing she is finally seeing God’s face which is something she has been looking forward to for a long time. I’m sure she was welcomed with, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” and probably my grandpa saying “Hey Babe!” which is what he lovingly called her during their 62 years of marriage. Her presence in my life has helped shape who I am and I can only hope that I inherited some of her grit, passion, determination, selflessness, and even some of the feistiness she has shown in her later years. 🙂 She was a true gem and I am eternally grateful for our time with her.... ❤️ Hug your people and make those memories!

04/14/23 10:13 AM

#1792

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Pam Ward.

04/15/23 10:42 AM

#1793

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Ron Springman.

04/17/23 10:05 AM

#1794

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Peggy Reed.