Nora Lacie Coffman 1913 - 2010 Remembering Lacie... Nora Lacie Coffman was born July 18, 1913 in Mulberry, AR to Jesse L. and Nancy E. Campbell. She was the third child of eleven children and first girl. Her childhood was spent in the piney woods of rural Arkansas. Family stories tell of a hardy pioneer family struggling to survive by the sweat of their brow and strength of their bond to one another. The Great Depression and search for work urged the Campbell's on a winding trek west, until finally settling in Weedpatch, CA. There, the family joined other dustbowl survivors seeking work in the orchards. Ultimately, they put down strong roots that continue to grow even today. The Campbells were a deeply spiritual family. Lacie's father was pastor of The Pentecostal Oneness Church in Weedpatch. "Mommy" and "Poppy" Campbell were the center of a great spiritual movement that touched many lives. At sixteen, Lacie received the Holy Ghost and entered into a lifelong commitment to rely solely on the grace of God. Until her passing, Lacie never sought medical intervention, faith in the Lord her physician and prayers her medication. Her life's story is a testimony to a strength of body and spirit that humbles us and surpasses our understanding. She ministered to others until the very end. We know not the number of lives she had an impact on. Lacie was a woman of great love: First, for her Lord and Savior, Jesus, then her beloved husband, Nural, and her five children and their families. At 96, Lacie was the last remaining charter member of the Weedpatch Church. Her commitment to and love for Jesus is legend and is an inspiration for all who knew her. She was quick of wit, able to sing and praise until the very end and devoted to the Word of God. Towards the end when her words of conversation stumbled, her prayers flowed smoothly and precise. Lacie married Nural Sturdivant Coffman on August 8, 1932 in Chamberino, New Mexico. Together they built a family that includes 5 children, 20 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Memories of Lacie's famous chicken and dumplings, fried okra, banana pudding, strawberry shortcake and raisin pies continue to warm our hearts and entice us to attempt to capture her secrets in the kitchen. At family reunions, Lacie was the matriarch of the Campbell clan. At dinners, Lacie blessed us not only with food but her heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving. Lacie's children demonstrated unprecedented devotion and love to her throughout her long and productive life. As she reached old age and began to suffer the ravages of time, her daughter, MayeVern with help of other family members, worked tirelessly to insure she was well cared for. An outsider would be humbled by the love and gentle kindness this family gave to their mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and to each other. Lacie leaves a legacy of love. Lacie is survived by her sons, Ivan L. Coffman and wife Patti, Vurdes C. Coffman and wife Rose; daughter, MayeVern Casey and husband Marvin; grandchildren: Patricia Sneath, Robin Coffman, Starla Adkins, Wayne Coffman, Dee Dee Shepherd, Gerrie Moffett, Randy Coffman, Cindy Coffman, Mitzi Georgatos, Marty Coffman, Kimberly Bush, Hays Allen, Cody Allen, April Cardé, Jeff Megahey, Michelle Roe, Marty Casey, Shannon Ehly and Shawna Uhrich; sisters, Elta Vernice Rooks, Melba Fay Stanczak and Jean Fleming. Preceding her in death are her husband, Nural; sons, Jesse Rayburn Coffman, James Edwin Coffman and grandson, Eddie Coffman; mother and father, Mommy and Poppy Campbell; brothers, Ivory Bud, Linton Loyal, Lanton Royal and Doyle Campbell; sisters, Thelma Rae, Clete Campbell and Mona V Broyles. Sincere appreciation goes to Laura, Maria and caregivers from Hoffmann Hospice and Lacie's direct caregiver Pearl, assisted by Rosa, Janice and staff of Home Again. Laura and Pearl were as angels watching over Lacie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hoffmann Hospice. Nora Lacie Coffman, age 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday evening, February 26, 2010. Viewing is Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 2:00- 8:00 p.m., Arvin Funeral Home, 600 Tucker Street, Arvin, CA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at Truth Tabernacle, 214 Hosking Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. Please visit and sign Nora's guest book at www.GoldenValleyMemorialCare.com. Arvin Funeral Home www.bakersfield.com/obits

Published in Bakersfield Californian on March 2, 2010