Published: June 12, 2008 03:27 pm         

Obituaries for the week of June 13

Emberly Coleman



Emberly Breann “Bre” Coleman, was given as a gift to us on May 14, 1998, at Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville and was called on May 30, 2008.

Emberly was born to of Kizzie and Lester Coleman Jr.

Emberly was involved in a variety of programs such as ballet at the age of 4 where she excelled and received various trophies and awards. She was also a member of RYSA cheerleading at the age of 7. Emberly attended Springer Elementary in Rockwall, completing the fourth grade.

She was a bright spot in our lives and will be greatly missed.

Emberly leaves to cherish her memories her parents of Rockwall; four brothers, Antjuan Lawson of Dallas, Carl Coleman of Greenville, Anthony Coleman of Fort Sam Houston and Brysen Coleman of Rockwall; a sister, Destiny Coleman of Rockwall; grandmothers, Dorothy Coleman-Traylor of Greenville and Emma Ransom of Dallas; grandfather Lester Coleman Sr. of Kountze; and a multitude of family and friends.

A brother, Courtney Coleman, preceded her in death.

Her funeral services was at 1 p.m., June 7, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, followed by burial in Grundy Memorial Park.

Grace & Mercy Funeral Home of Greenville was in charge of arrangements.

Visit and sign the guest book at www.heraldbanner.com.



Treva Pfaff



Treva Ann Ratliff Pfaff, a life absorbed with unselfish love, kindness, charity, and inspiration, returned to the Lord June 3, 2008. She remains as an example to her family, all who knew her, and to many whose lives she unknowingly touched. Love was her priority — love of God, love of her husband, her two sons, her sister, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Her love of children stemmed from her firm but loving role as mother, confidant, advisor, and supporter.

These traits carried into her teaching career at Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Carrollton-Farmers Branch I.S.D. at Goode Elementary, and Forney I.S.D. at Johnson, Criswell, and finally at Lewis Elementary. She taught pre-kindergarten until two weeks before her death. Children, even as they grew older, greeted her with loving hugs. Treva accepted friends as they were, with compassion and without judgment. Her courage and determination were an inspiration to many people.

Following her October 2006 diagnosis of cancer, Treva determinedly, continued life with a quiet and amazing strength without complaint. She was a trooper. She loved her family and unselfishly and quietly helped friends and those in need. Her enjoyment of life was obvious in her smile and contagious laugh, her taste for Mexican food, playing Bunco, and her quiet time spent in devotion at church. Travel was a highlight, especially to visit her husband’s family in Ireland, Eastern U.S., and Florida. One of her favorite activities was spending hours with her devoted sister while bargain shopping.

Born Dec. 12, 1946, in Fort Worth, to Flora and W.H. Ratliff, her mother died when Treva was only four years old. The family lived in Sulphur Springs, and Treva was a member of the First Baptist Church. She graduated from Sulphur Springs High School with the class of 1964. Treva received a bachelor’s segree in art from North Texas State University. After a brief career in advertising art, she and Brendan were married in Sulphur Springs on June 13, 1970. After her sons entered school, she attended Texas Women’s University to obtain a teacher certification, while continuing as a homemaker, wife, mother, and teacher’s aide.

Treva is survived by Brendan, her husband of “38 wonderful years”; two sons, Brent, wife Emily, and their three children, Abigail, Harrison, and Lillian of Arlington; Michael of Rockwall; her sister, Rhonda and husband Tom Felton of Rowlett; her niece, Lindsey and husband Keith Goodwin of Rockwall; nephew Clint and wife Elizabeth Felton of Dallas; and numerous cousins.

Also present for the service were members of the Pfaff family from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held June 7 at Our Lady of the Lake in Rockwall. Con-celebrants were her nephew, Father James Cogan of North Port, Florida, and Msgr. Bob Coerver, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett.

Pallbearers were Jim Burzynski, David Dorotik, Adam Dorotik, John Shaposky, Tom Stelmar, and Bruce Strotman.

Memorials may be made to National Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza Suite, 1400, New York, New York, 10122.

Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rowlett chapel was in charge of arrangements.