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Lela Esta Church Coggins, 93, was born June 10, 1922, in Caldwell County, North Carolina, to the late Grover Cleveland Church and Maude Lee (Avery) Church. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 with her loving family by her side.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband John Burl Coggins, whom she married New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1939.
Lela was the last surviving sibling of twelve children in the family. Lela's deceased brothers were Thomas Church, Odel Church, Grady Church and Clyde Church. Lela's deceased sisters were Pauline Lloyd, Kathyrn Fox, Lou Ellen Williams, Viola Hendrix, Irene Helton, Sadie Rogers, and Estelle Benfield.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy, and son-in-law Frank Zagotti ; one granddaughter, Lynee (Albert) Aiad-Toss; one grandson, Frank B. (Stephanie) Zagotti; three great-granddaughters, Kristina, Angelina, and Nicolina Aiad-Toss; and two great-grandsons, Brian and Tyler Zagotti.
In the early 1950's, Lela and Burl left North Carolina and traveled to first, Port Arthur, Texas; Vincenes, Indiana; Metropolis, Illinois; and finally settled in Austintown, Ohio. They made many friends along the way.
Lela was hired by General Motors, Packard Electric, Plant 11 on North River Road, Warren, as a press operator, and retired in 1980.
She was a dedicated member of both Miriam Chapter #278, Order of the Eastern Star; and also, the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Ruth Shrine No. 64. She enjoyed attending meetings and socializing with members, helping serve dinners and events. She was very proud of being associated with both lodges. They were an important part of her life. She would volunteer in any way she could and loved to help others.
Lela is a long-time member of Youngstown Baptist Church. After an extended illness and moving to Glenellen Assisted Living in North Lima, she has attended Paul Easton Church at Glenellen.
Family and friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Mackie Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Lela will be laid to rest in Lovelady Baptist Church Cemetery next to her husband, Burl.