Lota Eugenia Coleman

June 28, 1937 - December 4, 2020

Lota Eugenia Coleman was born June 28, 1937 to William Dunham and Stella Mae Jackmon of Columbia, Missouri. Lota made her mark early on in life. Once public schools began to integrate in Columbia, Missouri, she was the first black student to enroll at Douglas High School, because she realized it would afford her more opportunity. Her love for music was showcased there also, as she was the first female and African American female to join the marching band where she played the trumpet. Lota had a great passion for music and the piano. With only the basic knowledge of the scale, taught to her by her mother at a young age, she built her musical skills lifelong. She shared her piano playing talent with the church, her family and friends and social events. Even though Lota later developed Alzheimer's, she would continue on with her determined spirit and play the piano for her friends and the staff at Grapevine Medical lodge where she was well loved. She always made others feel loved with her kind compliments, quick witted humor and high energy. Armed with the love of God, her strong will and unwavering determination, Lota managed to raise 6 children without the support of a life partner. She left behind a legacy of 6 children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Lota knew and loved the Lord, she was a sweet, caring and kind woman who knew how to make the person she was speaking to feel like they were the only person in the world. Lota Eugenia Coleman, maiden name, Lota Eugenia Dunham is preceded in death by her Mother, Stella Mae Jackmon, Father William Dunham, 8 siblings, and her 2 sons Michael Wayne Coleman Jr. and George Turner Carter Jr. To carry out her story and legacy are her daughter's, Rhonda Lavonne Gale, Deloris Jean Chevis and Carmon Michelle Jackson and son Victor McCoy Carter, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest Well My Dear. We love you.