Remembering LaDora (CoCo)

On a record evening, August 3, 1973, two beautiful babies were born to the late Dorie M. Coleman and Joyce McBride Coleman. They were anxious to make their arrival on Earth, trying hard to be born on July 4, 1973; but low and behold, they lingered until August 3 ^rd . One pushed her way through hurriedly and seemed to say to the other, "wait I'm going first, then you come on". Guess who that first baby was, yes, LaDora Coleman. She continued for the rest of her life to try and direct her twin sister, DeLora, who was born 8 minutes after her.

Although a twin, LaDora was her own person. She came into the world as a leader, organizer, and had an A-personality. God blessed her with unique gifts; she was one of a kind. She could accomplish things which no one else could do by developing, coordinating, and delegating the task to others and making them believe it was their idea.

LaDora became affectionally known as "CoCo" by another toddler (who was under the tillage of Brother and Sister Peter Beatty) who tried to call her "Coleman", like Grandma and Grandpa Beatty, but could only get out "CoCo". The nickname stuck throughout her lifetime.

LaDora began her informal education at PELE Nursery School and attended each division of Jasper ISD. Although she never held elected offices, she was avidly involved in all facets of school life. In Junior High, she played in the band, and she was the volleyball and basketball trainer in Junior High and High School. After graduating from Jasper High, she attended Prairie View A&M University where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specification in Reading. She began her teaching career in Texas City. After a year, she longed for and moved back to Jasper. Initially, she was employed at the Jasper Junior High School. She was involved in many student activities including becoming the Junior High Cheer Coach. After some time, she went to Rowe to teach elementary. Later, a change of location and position took her to Kirbyville Elementary where she worked with disadvantaged students and those with reading difficulties. Being the leader she was, she worked on various committees and assumed other non-teaching duties. Two of her prized accomplishments were working on a committee to evaluate the "TCAT" exam that teachers were required to pass for certification, and becoming an honorary member of the Education Society. Her teaching career was interrupted when she developed several medical disorders. These persisted for the rest of her life, increasing in severity, and lead to her becoming unable to carry out her professional and Christian Education endeavors. However, with the grace and mercy of God, she was able to function to a large degree through developing program committees that allowed her to communicate with dedicated officers. LaDora never gave up her desire to return to her professional and Christian Education Leadership; but God in his infinite wisdom had other plans.

From an early age, LaDora was dedicated to the Lord at the Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, under the pastorage of the late Rev. Immanuel Dent. She always had a love for Christ. As a toddler, she was involved in Christian Education; she sang with the angel choir, attended Sunday School, BTU, and church meetings. As she grew older, her activities expanded to being a member of the Usher Board and Youth Choir. Greater New Bethel was a strong proponent of Christian Education as well as Christian Leadership thus LaDora and the other young people in the church attended District, State, and National Congress of Christian Education. Her parents and the church adhered to Proverbs 22:6 which states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it". LaDora was deeply extended in church life. She loved all facets and was always eager to go.

After relocating from Texas City, LaDora returned to her home church and became a devout member. She was an integral part of the church and the church family. No task was too large or small for her to do. She devoted her time and talent into the church in every department which included: Young Matron, Mission Circle #3 Teacher, member of the Senior Choir, member of the Usher Board, Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Chairman of the Decoration Committee, member of the Shower Committee, and member of the Yard Committee. She was the 1 ^st Vice President of General Mission. Having a love for young people and understanding their needs for worship lead her to organizing, directing, and teaching a Praise Dance Team. She participated in drama and was a lead soloist. LaDora's interest, commitment, and devotion increased as she attended Congress on the District, State, and National level. She was appointed President of the Woman Auxillary under Association President, Rev. Dr. Kenneth O. Lyons. Dr. Ethel Stafford appointed her as Coordinator of the Lone Star Youth Department. She loved the Lord and praised him in devout servitude.

LaDora met Cecil Boatner in the halls of Few Primary in the winter of 2004. They where instantly attracted to each other. What began as a friendship slowly and surely grew into something greater, love. The couple was united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday, November 20, 2004. This marriage was blessed to become a blended family sharing Cecil's son, Gerren, and CoCo's daughter, Taylor. Their love blossomed even more as their values, ideas, and desires meshed. They loved each other's children as though they were their own. LaDora's and Cecil's togetherness was completed by the birth of their grandchildren, London and Joyciline Bronson. LaDora's greatest joy (after God) and accomplishments were having the opportunity to love, teach, guide, and care for her grandchildren, and the love was reciprocated.

LaDora was preceded in death by her father, Dorie M. Coleman.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband, Cecil Boatner; her precious daughter, Taylor Coleman; one son, Gerren Boatner; two granddaughters, London Bronson and Joyciline Bronson; loving and caring mother, Joyce Coleman; twin sister, DeLora Coleman (Gary Babb); brother, Rodney Coleman (Renee); niece whom she regarded as a sister, Vanessa Bryant (Jaimoy); four nieces, Brittney Jones (Tim), Amy Coleman, MyKayla Leach (also God-daughter), and Dashae Randle; great nieces and nephews, Jaidorian Bryant, Kennedy Bryant, Michael Bryant, Aubri Davis, and Amina Jones; God-daughter, Kheeley Brooks; God-brother, Jordan Land; God-sister, Valerie Larkin Finkley; special friends, Daphne Simmons, Hessie Cleveland, Mamie Aplon, Lillie Weatherspoon, Monique Larkin, and Tara Hinton; and a host of other relatives and friends.