Luiza Pereira Coburn

Tupelo- Luiza Pereira da Cruz Coburn, strong mother and grandmother, died on Friday, March 22, 2019 with her son and his wife by her side. In less than a week, she would have been 94. A native of Niteroi, Rio, Brazil, she born March 26, 1925 and was raised in foster care until she was adopted at fourteen. In spite of her challenging childhood, she grew up strong and hopeful, and secured a way to America in 1962 while working as a nanny for a prominent Brazilian family. She was 37 and hardly knew any English, or the culture. Soon after, she met her husband, Paul Coburn, and they were married in May of 1964. They had their only child, Andrew Paul, on May 23, 1965.

While the light she shone reverberated, the hardship of her life shadowed in. She lost her husband when her son was fourteen. She was left alone in a foreign country, with a boy to raise and put through college. She worked three jobs to help pay for his attendance to Belhaven College. She offered friendship to neighbors even in her loneliness, peace to those who looked down on her, and wisdom to those who did not understand her. And then she came to live with her son and his family.

She helped raise her granddaughters, gave away generous amounts of love and affection, and cooked and cleaned as if to earn her stay. She held babies, wiped away tears, and sang lullabies. She always pointed others to her Savior, Jesus Christ, and though stubborn, could even admit when she was wrong. According to the world, she lived an insignificant life, but for those she knew, there is a light inside that will never be forgotten.

Survivors include son, Rev. Andy Coburn and his wife, Kelli of Tupelo; and four granddaughters, Anna Caroline, Maggie, Merry and Amy Claire Coburn all of Tupelo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul F. Coburn who died March 16, 1980; and all of her sisters and brothers.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Sunday, March 24, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring her life will be 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Andy Coburn officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Mackin, Clay Mackin, Lance Ragsdale, Rob Bushway, Stephen Ewing, and Dr. Bob Stewart

The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .

Memorials may be made to the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit 422A E. President Street Tupelo, MS 38801

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com