It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Peggy L. Coleman, 78, of Centralia, Illinois, who passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication to the many lives she has touched.
Born on November 12, 1946, in Centralia, IL, she was the daughter of Louis Boyd Coleman and Katie (Owens) Coleman. A lifelong and devoted member of New Bethel Baptist Church, Peggy actively participated in both worship and community service. She supervised the Junior Usher Board for many years and was an active member of the Culinary Committee and Senior Usher Board. She also served as President of the Building Fund Club for approximately 30 years. Her faith guided her life, and her generosity and compassion were evident in everything she did.
She found immense joy in preparing large meals and welcoming family and friends to gather around her table, where love and laughter were always served in abundance.
Peggy dedicated 29 years of service to the Hollywood Candy Factory, where she was more than an employee—she was a guiding presence, uplifting colleagues with her wisdom and warmth. She served as a shift supervisor until the factory burned down. Undeterred, she continued her work ethic at Goody’s and later at JC Penney’s, where her kindness and dedication remained constant.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Katie and Boyd Coleman; her brother, Malcom Bryant; her sister, Linda Jones; and her beloved nephew, Edward “Teddy” Rouse, whom she loved like a son.
She leaves behind her beloved brother and sister, Ken L. Coleman and wife Caretha of Los Altos Hills, CA, and Dr. Clara Coleman-Voss and husband Rick of Tracy, CA. Peggy is also survived by her brother-in-law, Earl Jones of Centralia; and the two she cherished as the closest thing to children, her special niece Lynette Jones and special nephew Jonathan Jones. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will fondly remember her warmth and laughter.
“Peggy’s unwavering faith, generosity, and love for family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She never met a stranger. She believed in the power of gathering around the dinner table, making every meal a celebration of love.”
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia. A funeral service honoring Peggy Coleman will take place at New Bethel Baptist Church located at 501 N. Sycamore St. in Centralia on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Elder Molia Strickland and Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia.
In memory of Peggy, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Building Fund Club at New Bethel Baptist Church. Contributions will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore St., Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Peggy Coleman Family. As Peggy loved flowers, flowers are also welcome. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
