Ilse Maria Coleman

In the small town of Guácimo, province of Limón in Costa Rica, Ilse Maria Coleman was born on February 3, 1949. Her mother, Veronica Brown Summers, told her she was meant for greatness. She would look at places far away in newspapers and magazines, and she knew she was to leave and see the nations, and so she did. Her father, Enos Taylor Francis, encouraged her education and sent her to another city to study. And so, her wandering into the world started at a young age, until she died at home in Garland, Texas surrounded by family at the age of 74.

She married Jimmy Coleman, whose first flirtation in high school was, “Adiós, amor.” Her response back then in Costa Rica was “Adiós, sí, pero amor, no.” She lived with her uncle and his wife in New York as she worked at a custom jewelry factory before she got married. She then moved to Miami, Florida where daughter Sasha Coleman was born, on to Puerto Rico, and back to Costa Rica where son Jamie Coleman was born. She received a scholarship to attend Christ for Nations Bible Institute, and while in Dallas, Texas daughter Tamara Coleman was born. Upon their return back to Costa Rica, her youngest son Derek Coleman came to complete the family. They traveled the world sharing the truth of scripture, ministering in churches, businesses, schools, and homes, and opening and teaching at Cristo al Mundo Bible School in Costa Rica, and other countries. For 17 years they were missionaries in Guadalajara, México.

Her love and dedication towards her family could not be denied. Being a mother and wife were her greatest callings. She would help, give wise counsel, encourage, and touch the lives of all those around her without considering who they were: rich or poor, young or old, loved or not. She ministered wherever she went. She sang and danced throughout the house. If you conversed with her, she was sure to have a song to prove a point or accompany what was said. She was always ready to leave gatherings early, and would start singing, “Goodbye, I hate to see you go,” as she got up to leave, and made the whole family leave with her. She made up song lyrics and quoted Scripture medleys aloud at random times. Her children could jump in and recite with her, even when they were from all over the Bible. She always found things to clean, and some remember her “con un trapito en la mano.” (with a little rag in her hand). She was a gifted speaker and storyteller. She was perceptive, insightful, and discerning. She was direct, strong, and to the point. She knew the Bible front to back and enjoyed writing and making family trees. As an adult, she completed her Social Work degree at the age of 50, her Masters in Family Therapy at 54, and Massage Therapy later on when she moved back to the U.S. She was always working on self-improvement, reading, and looking for the next thing to study. Her belief was that time would pass whether you worked on your goals or not, so age should not stop you. Many of her much younger classmates called her “Mama” and she treated them as though she was. Those who received a massage from her also got a therapy session, whether she was praying for them silently, listening attentively, or using her warm healing hands. Ilse brought peace and unification wherever she went.

She is preceded by her parents, and brothers Conrado, Gerardo, Shedron, Alonso, and sister Elena. She will be missed by her sisters Dora, Flory, Vera, Elizabeth, and Marlene, and brothers Enos, Roberto, and Godofredo, and her husband, children, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends living all over the world.

But, her greatest accomplishments were knowing Jesus as her Saviour, leading a life that would honor him, and sharing His message of life, love, truth, and Salvation, not only with her words, but with her whole being. This is the unwavering faith she showed to the very end, instilled in her children, and shared with her extended family. “Jesus es real,” she would say. No one could convince her otherwise. And now that she is with Him, no one can.

On May 13, 2023, at Springcreek Church on 2660 Belt Line Rd, Garland, TX 75044 at 3 p.m. we’ll gather to celebrate a life well-lived with family and friends. Please stay for a bit for light finger foods after the service. Thank you to all those who have come alongside to show love and support in so many ways at this difficult time.

*In lieu of plants and flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the family to cover costs incurred during Ilse’s care as well as funeral expenses.

*We would love to read all of your memories and stories of our great wife, mother, and friend, please do so at the following link: https://www.forevermissed.com/ilsecoleman