Lillian “Bernice” Coffer

Lillian “Bernice” Coffer (nee McCann), born August 9, 1933, passed away October 29, 2019 at age 86.

Bernice McCann married Roy H. Coffer, September 28, 1951 who preceded her in death January 3, 2018.

Bernice is survived by four sons:  Roy H. “Bud” Coffer, Jr.,  James David Coffer (Jacky), Kevin Coffer (Alison), and Randy Coffer; one daughter, Karen Jo Ryan (Michael); eight grandchildren: Sarah Coffer, Jessica Coffer, Jonathan Ryan (Kimberley), Kaylah Jo Hockman (Brandon), KayCee Ryan, Sandy Coffer, Shelly Coffer, Julie Mueller (Ed), and Justin Utley; nine great-grandchildren: Hudson and Onessa Ryan, Maggie Coffer, Sydney Coin, Elias and Jubilee Martin Hockman, Caia and Reagan Hockman; brother Charles McCann (Betty) and sister-in-law Pat McCann (the late James); stepsisters and stepbrothers: Ruth Horschmann (Ron), Elvis McCann (Nora), Nelda Bess (Gene), Maxine Windner, Diana Cranick (Les), Donial McCann (Barbara), Darryl McCann (Teri), and brother-in-law, Richard Crawford (the late Patricia).

Bernice was also preceded in death by her mother Lillian Johnson, her step-father Ralph Johnson; her father Fred McCann and step-mother Ruth McCann; brother James McCann; and step-brother and sisters: Tom McCann, Evelyn Whitworth (the late Pete), Patricia Crawford.

Bernice graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1950.  She became a Christian at 15 years of age and served First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, MO as a Bible teacher from 1963 to 2017.  She also wrote many years of church history for the historical committee of FBC, O’Fallon, served on numerous committees, and taught kindergarten for 12 years at the church’s academy. She then worked 16 years as sales secretary at the Envelope Company in O’Fallon before she retired.

Bernice will always be remembered as loving God, cherishing her family, and committed to her church.

Contributions in Lillian’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of O'Fallon (Missions).