Mrs. Lucille Coleman- Duff

Mrs. Lucille Coleman Duff was born on September 27, 1938, to Eddie Lee and Ruby Burks. She was the eldest of twelve children and lovingly embraced her role as a guiding light within her family, developing the nurturing spirit for which she was so well known. Lucille graduated from Anna Strong High School in Marianna, Arkansas, in 1956. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and later returned to Arkansas, where she began her professional career at a local dry-cleaning business. She eventually settled in Forrest City, Arkansas, where she raised a large and loving family with Marcus Coleman, becoming the proud mother of seven children, three sons and four daughters. Her passion for sewing led her to become an accomplished seamstress, and she skillfully created beautiful garments for her children and members of the community. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome, fostering a sense of love, comfort, and belonging for all who entered. Affectionately known as “Cille,” she had a special way of making everyone feel at home. In 1966, Lucille began her employment with Warwick/Sanyo, where she faithfully served for thirty-four years. She was admired for her outstanding work ethic, maintaining perfect attendance and consistently arriving on time throughout her career. In recognition of her dedication and exemplary service, she was honored as Employee of the Year and awarded an all-expenses-paid cruise to the Bahamas. At an early age, Lucille confessed her hope in Christ and remained a devoted servant of the Lord throughout her life. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess and worked diligently in the church kitchen for many years. She willingly supported the ministry in whatever capacity she was needed. Lucille found great joy in serving others, especially through cooking and sharing meals with family, friends, and church members. Through her acts of kindness, service, and hospitality, she touched countless lives and reflected her deep and abiding faith. In her later years, Lucille was blessed to find love again when she married Rufus Duff. Together they shared many happy years, traveling, working outdoors, and lovingly raising two grandchildren. Above all, Lucille was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. She shared close and meaningful bonds with her siblings and maintained those relationships throughout her life. Known as a wonderful listener, she offered comfort, wisdom, and encouragement to all who came to her. Her presence will be deeply missed, especially by her family, who will forever cherish the love and warmth she so freely gave. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Marcus Coleman, who preceded her in death in 1991, and Rufus Duff, who preceded her in death in 2020; her parents, Eddie Lee and Ruby Burks; her son, Gregory Coleman; three brothers, Huey Lee Burks, Erving Burks, and Eddie Lee Burks, Jr.; one sister, Daisy Brady; and her great-grandson, Giovanni Banks. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children, Carmelita Owens, Reginald Owens, Anita (Dwayne) Lynch, Kevin (Kamesha) Coleman, and twin daughters, Yoko Ono Stampley and Kyoko Lynn Coleman; her loving brothers, John Burks and Melvin Burks; her loving sisters, Wyonna Burks, Jean (Oline) Murphy, Margie Lucas, Brenda Stegall, Eunice (Willie) Smith, and Bernice (Jesse) McFadden; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Lucille Coleman- Duff

September 27, 1938 - February 18, 2026