Betty J. Coleman

Betty Jo Patterson Coleman, age 66, loving mother of two, and adoring wife to husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Brian Coleman, transitioned to her heavenly home in the late hours of March 8, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Betty, was born August 13, 1955, in Junction City, Kansas, to Myrtle and McKinley Patterson, Sr. She was educated in Geary County Schools USD 475, where she graduated from Junction City High School in 1973. After high school she attended the University of Kansas and later would return home to begin working. Betty began her work with the former United Telephone Company (Sprint/Embarq/Century Link) in 1978. At United Telephone/Sprint, Betty worked as a telephone operator for many years before she moved on to the business office where she held various positions until her retirement in 2001. After taking a year off, she began a new career with the school district she grew up in. Her career in USD 475 began first as a librarian assistant at Ware Elementary School and soon she transferred to her beloved high school, where she remained until her retirement in December 2019. While there, Betty returned to her roots as a cheer coach. She was instrumental in coaching, mentoring, and encouraging these young ladies. Not only was she a positive example in the lives of her cheer students, but she was also a positive impact to students and staff alike. More than anything, her infectious smile, radiant personality, and everlasting Blue Jay Pride was a light throughout the high school halls, school district, and community.

On May 24, 1986, she married the love of her life, Brian Coleman. In this union, they raised two sons. While married, they often could be seen dancing, listening to music, and cooking together. Betty loved her family and hosting holidays brought her so much joy; particularly, the 4th of July, where she started the "Family Olympics" full of games, competitions, gifts, and awards to the winners; which became the highlight of holiday festivities.

Betty accepted Christ on May 23, 1993, and her faith was instrumental in keeping her grounded to navigate life's challenges and her most recent battle with cancer, for which Betty never gave up.

She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her loving family: husband, Brian Coleman (Junction City, KS); two sons: Leslie S. (Ennikka) Chaves of Moore, Oklahoma; and Jamire DeShaun (Rebecca) Coleman of Junction City, KS; her five grandchildren; Satayven, Jasper, and Jayla Chaves, and Leilana and Nailah Coleman; siblings; Arlene Courtney, San Antonio, TX; McKinley Patterson, Jr. (Jo), Denver, CO; Virgie Lee Baldwin, Junction City, KS; Annette (Chuck) Lewis, Daly City, CA; Marion Smith, Aurora, CO; Yvonne Warren, Junction City, KS; Babbette (Walter) Carr, Junction City, KS; Tracy Smith (Jerome), Aurora, CO; and Valerie Guy, Junction City, KS; her sisters-in-law Theresa Tracy Coleman and Venita Colon; her brothers-in-law Frank, Ronald, and Kevin Coleman; as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews and friends who loved and adored her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Myrtle and McKinley Patterson, Sr., brother Raymond Patterson, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial has been established to the Geary Community Schools Foundation for the Betty Patterson-Coleman SMILE (Support, Motivate, Improve Lives Everyday) Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors at JCHS. Gifts may be left at calling hours, the service, or mailed to the Geary Community Schools Foundation, 1100 Blue Jay Way, Junction City, KS 66441.

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