Jessica Erin Lane Coleman Obituary: A Life of Love, Laughter, and Impact

Jessica was born on March 15, 1985, in Springfield, Illinois. From the start, she loved to learn and explore.

• As a child, Jessica always asked “why?” about everything.
• In elementary school, she wrote stories for her friends.
• By middle school, Jessica found her voice in debates.

High School Years: A Star is Born

At Lincoln High School, Jessica shined. She wasn’t just smart – she was a leader.

• Led the debate team to state finals twice.
• Starred in school plays and helped behind the scenes.
• Graduated in the top 5% of her class.

College Days: Books and Big Dreams

Jessica went to the University of Illinois to study English. She loved reading and writing even more.

• Got her degree in English Literature
• Edited the school’s literary magazine
• Tutored kids at local schools
• Spent a semester in London, falling in love with Shakespeare

Starting Her Career: Words as Her Tool

After college, Jessica used her way with words to make a difference.

First Job: Book Editor

• Worked at SmallPress Books
• Found three new authors who became bestsellers
• Started a program to help new writers

Big Move: Helping Schools

In 2010, Jessica joined EduForAll, a group that works to make schools better.

• Became their Communications Director.
• Ran the “Read to Succeed” campaign.
  • Raised $2 million for school libraries.
• Started the “Teachers Matter” program.
  • Helped keep more teachers in schools.

Jessica was great at telling stories that made people want to help.

Living Life to the Fullest

Jessica wasn’t all work and no play. She loved life and spread joy everywhere.

• Made friends easily and had a laugh that made everyone smile
• Loved to hike and take pictures of nature
• Baked amazing chocolate chip cookies
• Did yoga to stay calm and healthy
• Traveled to 30 different countries

Jess Journeys: Sharing Her Adventures

Jessica had a travel blog called “Jess Journeys.” It wasn’t just about places – it was about people and experiences.

Popular blog posts:

1. “Finding Peace in Kyoto’s Gardens”.
2. “Dancing with Strangers in Rio”.
3. “The Kindness of Nomads: My Week in Mongolia”.

Many readers said Jessica’s stories made them want to travel and try new things.

Helping Her Hometown

Jessica never forgot about Springfield. She worked hard to make her city better.

• Helped run the Springfield Community Players Theater group
• Started “Books for All” to give free books to families who couldn’t afford them
• Told stories at the library every week
• Taught writing to women at a shelter
• Organized holiday meals for people in need

Keeping Jessica’s Spirit Alive

Even though Jessica is gone, her ideas and values live on.

Things Jessica believed in:

• Be kind to everyone
• Never stop learning
• Use your words to help others
• Find happiness in small things

Projects started in Jessica’s name:

1. The Jessica Coleman Scholarship for new writers
2. “Jessica’s Joy” day of helping others in Springfield
3. A book of her travel stories to help literacy programs

Jessica’s Family

Jessica leaves behind a family who loved her very much:

• Parents: Richard and Mary Coleman
• Brother: Michael Coleman
• Sister: Sarah Coleman
• Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends

Remembering Jessica

We invite everyone who knew and loved Jessica to come remember her.

• When: Saturday, July 15, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Where: St. Andrew’s Church, Springfield
• After the service: Get together at the church hall
• Instead of flowers: Please give to the Springfield Literacy Foundation

Jessica’s Way of Living

Jessica lived life with an open heart and open arms. She taught us:

1. To see the wonder in everyday things
2. That small kind acts can change the world
3. To use our talents to help others
4. To laugh often and love deeply

Jessica’s Rules for a Good Life:

1. Be curious about everything
2. Treat strangers like friends you haven’t met yet
3. Use your words carefully and kindly
4. Travel to understand people, not just see places
5. Find what you love and use it to make the world better

Questions People Often Ask About Jessica

• When was Jessica born?

Jessica was born on March 15, 1985.

• Where did Jessica go to school?

She went to Lincoln High School and then the University of Illinois.

• What did Jessica do for work?

Jessica started as a book editor and later worked for a group that helps schools.

• What were Jessica’s hobbies?

She loved hiking, taking pictures, baking, yoga, and traveling.

• How did Jessica help her community?

She supported local theater, helped with reading programs, and volunteered at shelters.

• Are there any projects continuing in Jessica’s name?

Yes, there’s a scholarship for writers, a community service day, and a book of her travel stories.

• How can people honor Jessica’s memory?

People can donate to the Springfield Literacy Foundation.

• When is Jessica’s memorial service?

The service is on Saturday, July 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Church in Springfield.

• What was Jessica’s travel blog called?

Jessica’s travel blog was called “Jess Journeys.”

• What were some of Jessica’s main values?

Jessica believed in kindness, always learning, using words to help others, and finding joy in everyday life.

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Final Thoughts: A Light That Keeps Shining

Jessica Erin Lane Coleman may have left us too soon, but her impact will last for a long time.

She showed us how to live with purpose, love without limits, and leave the world a little better than we found.

As we say goodbye to Jessica, let’s keep her kindness, her love of learning, and her belief in community alive.

We can honor her by living like she did – with open hearts, helping hands, and a desire to make a difference.

Jessica, we will miss you so much but never forget you. Your light keeps shining in all the lives you touched.

Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy of love lives on.