Edith N. Coleman, 91, of Lewistown died at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.Edith N. Coleman, 91, of Lewistown died at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.
She was born Feb. 28, 1934, in rural Astoria, a daughter of Fred William Plate and Grace Adkison Plate. She married James Richard “J.R.” Coleman on Jan. 11, 1957, in Lewistown. He preceded her in death.
She also was preceded in death by one son, Shawn Coleman; one sister, Ilene Davison; and one brother, Lee Plate.
Surviving are three children, Nyle (and Vickie) Coleman of Canton, Mardell (and Shane) Donelson of Arkansas and Mark (and Jacqulyn) Cobb of Moline; one brother, Keith Plate of Havana; two sisters, Joyce Sarff of Kewanee and Sheryl Trone of Peoria; and two grandchildren.
She was most proud of her educational achievements. After graduating Astoria High School in 1951, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education from Western Illinois University. Before her retirement, she taught elementary school, specifically third grade, for 44 years, with 30 of those years being at Porta Elementary School in Petersburg. She was nominated many times in the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”, a publication that recognized outstanding educators as nominated by former students. In addition to her educational degrees, she also was a licensed funeral home director.
She was a member of Lewistown United Methodist Church.
A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria from 10 a.m. to noon. Services will be at noon. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with Pastor Mike Henson officiating.
Memorials may be made to the National Autism Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.shawgomemorialhome.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus