Lillian "Colleen" Neilson, 95 years old, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, was called to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She entered this world on September 7, 1930, born to Mittie and Simon Coats, in Chunky, MS. She was a member of Galilee Baptist Church. Colleen will be missed by all who knew her.

Colleen is survived by her daughter, Marsha Lynn Barnes and husband Howard of Zachary; son, Ronald Neilson and wife Martha of Idaho; daughter, Deborah "Jan" Laney of Central; son, Don Todd Neilson of Zachary; 4 grandchildren, Bobbie Janelle Nielsen and husband Tim, Michael Paul Laney and wife Laura, Melissa Diane Laney and John Thomas; 8 great-grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandchild.

Colleen is preceded in death by her husband, Paul C. Neilson, Jr.; father, Simon A. Coats; mother, Mittie Anderson Coats; sister, Leila Graham; brothers, Robert Coats and Hershel Coats.

Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Laney, Matthew Major, Nicholas Major, Locke Laney, Harrison Nielsen, Tommy Drew, Charles Gregoire, and Tim Fabre.

Collen was a member of Galilee Senior Adults and loved to travel with her fellow members. Colleen also served on many of the Church Committees.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home. 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Tim Fabre and Brian Morgan. The graveside service and burial will follow at Norman E. Pete Heine Memorial Gardens (Hillcrest Memorial Gardens), in Baker, Louisiana.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Colleen's caregivers and In His Care Hospice.