Lavern Coffman Obituary

Lavern Jones Coffman, 92, of Little Rock, took one last breath on earth and the next breath in glory on Friday, July 18, 2025 surrounded by family. She was born on April 17, 1933 in Beebe to Mary Irene Helderman and Charlie Thomas Jones. She was of the Baptist faith.

Growing up on a farm in Beebe with many siblings, Lavern was the fastest cotton picker in her family—often filling her sack before anyone else. With a mischievous streak, she sometimes led her younger sisters to slip a terrapin or a rock into the bottom of a strawberry carton to make it appear full. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse located on land donated to the community by her father. Since her home was just a short walk from the school, Lavern and her siblings frequently brought friends home for lunch, where her mother happily fed them all.

After graduating from Beebe High School, she made a brave move to Little Rock and began a long career with Southwestern Bell as a telephone switchboard operator. She earned perfect attendance awards for several consecutive years and eventually retired as a manager with ATT after 30 years of service. When she first started working at Southwestern Bell, her family didn’t yet have a telephone. She made sure one was installed; at that time a party line was the only connection available in that area.

Lavern was a feisty, spunky soul who loved chatting with everyone she met, bargain hunting, water aerobics, gardening, and listening to country and bluegrass music. Her generous spirit and big love lit the hearts of many. As a fun, kind, and joyful Mimi, her investment of time, encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren planted seeds that will continue to grow for generations.

She is survived by her son, Rick Coffman (Denise), daughter Tongua Coffman Williams (Grey); grandchildren Amanda Coffman Lawrence (Austin), Jesse Williams, Jackie Williams, Kerah Williams, and Natalie Williams, along with four beloved great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Carthel “Johnny” Jones (Helen). She is preceded in death by sisters Thelma Brodrick, Merle Daughtery, Peggy Jones, Bonnie Sitton, Mary Hawley, and Charlene Smith, and by brothers Marvin Jones, Bud Jones, Harold Jones, Pete Jones and Dan Jones.

Visitation will be 9:00-10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025. Funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. DeWitt Henry Dr. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Burial will be at Beebe Cemetery in Beebe, Arkansas. To view the online register, please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook

In fond remembrance, the family invites you to enjoy a bowl of your favorite ice cream (“cream”) as you listen to Lavern’s favorite song, “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill.