Meribelle “Meri” Louise (Jones) Porter Coffman of Lakeland, Florida, a devoted Christian, avid adventurer, and cherished musician, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on July 14, 1931, in Troy, Ohio, to Merritt and Bertha “Betsy” Ann (Robison) Jones. Meri grew up in Milan, Missouri, where her parents owned and operated the town creamery, which may have led to her love of ice cream.
Meri graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1953 with a degree in education and music.
Meri was united in holy matrimony to Vernon Porter in Milan, Missouri, on August 7, 1955. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1980. She remarried Henry Reed Coffman in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 23, 1985. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2024. She was also preceded in death by her parents and stepdaughter, Myra Lynn Winans.
Meri is survived by her children: Ted Porter and his wife, Leisa, of Baytown, Texas; Chris Porter of Port Charlotte, Florida; Elizabeth Porter and Todd Felix of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Ginger Porter Janssen and her husband, Robb Janssen, of Basalt, Colorado; stepson Phillip Coffman and his wife, Terah, of Murphy, Texas; stepson-in-law Rick Winans of Kansas City, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.
Meri’s life was filled with music, travel, and a deep commitment to her Christian faith. She was a talented pianist, organist, clarinet player, teacher, researcher, and writer. She planned summer vacations for her children as they were growing up, and her adventurous spirit led the family to all 48 contiguous states, as well as Mexico and Canada. Winter vacations often took them to Colorado, where the family enjoyed skiing, influencing her two daughters to make Colorado their home. After retiring, she and Henry traveled to many countries, including Italy, Germany, England, France, Russia, Ecuador, and twice to Israel, where Meri played clarinet during the Feast of Tabernacles.
A celebration of Meri’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, at Resthaven Mortuary in Trenton, Missouri. Burial services will follow at Martin Cemetery, north of Trenton.
Meri’s legacy is a symphony composed of love, faith, music, and adventure. Rest in peace, Meri, mom, grandma, great-grandma.
Donations to Hope for Dementia and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation are welcome.
