Austin American Statesman 5-3-2009

Arlene Coffee Arlene Coffee passed away April 29, 2009, in Stockton California, having succumbed to her second battle with breast cancer. Arlene was born July 27, 1943, in Jarrell, Tex., to Eddie Murl White and James Pinkston. She attended high school in Austin and later married Lawrence Coffee and moved to Peyton Colony, Blanco Tex., where she worked for Community Action Inc. She was a faithful member of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Stockton, CA, until her death. She was also a member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, St. Edwards Baptist Church, and when visiting Texas, Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church was home. She had great passion for the community, dedicating her life to serving people. While living in California, she served 19 years as director of Boggs Tract Community Center, receiving many honors; most recently the distinctive Women of Color Award from the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin. She is survived by mother, Eddie Murl Crawford; daughters, Sharon Coffee Baxter (Ron), Vicky Coffee-Fletcher (James). Grandchildren, Ryan, Paul and Lydia Baxter and Semaj Fletcher; brothers, James Thomas, Gene Thomas, Mike Crawford (Jennifer), Ronnie Crawford and Eddy Crawford; sisters, Patricia Rhodes (Harold) and Elaine Crawford. Services will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 3326 Paisano Trails, Austin Texas 78745; Rev. R.E. Foster, Pastor. She will be laid to rest at Peyton Colony Cemetery, Blanco, Texas. Arlene loved life and would remind everyone to always put God first and that early detection is crucial to surviving cancer. Give your flowers to the living to support breast cancer in the form of a contribution to Sister's Network Inc. in memory of Arlene Coffee. Arrangements entrusted to Crofts Funeral Home in Blanco, Texas, (830) 833-4523.