Vada Matlock Coleman

Vada Matlock Coleman, 96, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Graham.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery in Fort Worth under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Vada was born September 7, 1924 at the West Fork Community in southeast Archer County, Texas.  She attended school there and graduated at age fifteen from Jermyn High School in Jack County, then from Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls.  She worked as secretary and bookkeeper for Whites Auto Store in Wichita Falls.  While living there she met the love of her life, Alfred Coleman, during his duty at Sheppard Field.  After Al's service abroad, they married in 1946 and lived their 65 years together in Pilot Point, Texas.  Soon after Al's death in 2012, Vada moved to Elmcroft of Graham to be near family.

Vada dearly loved the Pilot Point area and its people.  She was a member of the Pilot Point First United Methodist Church.  She helped manage the Coleman family's historic Queen Theater.  She and Alfred transitioned into the food industry when they built the Dairy Best Drive-in.  She became known for her delicious burgers, milkshakes, and curly fries.  After retirement from the Dairy Best, Vada continued to be active in the community.  She enjoyed decorating her vintage home, keeping her yard manicured and socializing with friends and neighbors.  She also worked as needed for her friends, the Slays at Huff/Slay Funeral Home.

Vada was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, her parents James Samuel Matlock and Abigail Plaster Matlock, brother Orgie Matlock and sister Thelma Matlock Harwell.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Vera Matlock and nephews, Randy and Richard Harwell, Noble, J.D., Carl and Charles Matlock, and niece Theresa Matlock Haile.

Family suggests memorials to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch.