Neill Cornelius Spurgin Coffman

Pastor Neill Cornelius (Spurgin) Coffman died surrounded by loved ones March 25, 2025, in Norman, at age 58. Born July 29, 1966, in Ardmore, Neill was the second of three sons of Earl Wayne and Virginia “Cookie” (Neill) Spurgin. He graduated from Plainview High School.

Neill’s dedication and work ethic led him to various influential roles in the retail world, including Senior Management of Hobby Lobby, before leaving the sector to answer the call to full time ministry.

He is recognized for founding both Expressions Church in Oklahoma City, and The Abbey Church in Norman. He opened the eyes and hearts of many to the recognition of a God of unconditional love for ALL people, and reflected that belief in service to his beloved LGBTQ+ community.

Pastor Neill’s passion was to carry God’s love in concrete ways by helping underserved communities. This included improving access to HIV testing and related services. He spearheaded the formation of Expressions Community Center in the heart of OKC’s gay social district. ECC grew from a collaborative approach that encouraged nonprofit and government organizations to work together on common goals, and saw groups that typically compete for funding be able to function under the same roof to create a menu of related services in one location. This approach has served as a template for similar endeavors in other parts of the country, and still functions locally today under the same name.

Neill was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Wayne Spurgin and Virginia “Cookie” Wells. He is survived by his soulmate and spouse, Dean Coffman, of the home in Norman; son Blake Spurgin (& Lesley) of Ardmore; daughter Cianan Spurgin of Norman; brothers Earl Spurgin of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Todd (& Marci) Spurgin of Denton, Texas; half-sister Catherine Spurgin Groves of Oklahoma City; stepmother Joyce Spurgin (& Cathy Cameron) of Ardmore; and nieces, Makenzi Spurgin of Denton, and Makayla Spurgin of Austin, Texas. He also is grieved by his bonus parents/in-laws Judy and Kent Padgett of Spring, Texas, as well as various aunts, uncles, cousins, and other Spurgin and Coffman relatives.

In addition, Pastor Neill’s absence is felt deeply by scores of chosen family, friends, fellow ministers, former congregants, and those he lovingly called his spiritual children.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, April 26, 10:30 am, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 235 W. Duffy St., Norman, OK 73069, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.

Attendees are asked to dress casually, and to wear something that includes a shade of purple. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Other Options, Inc. (https://www.otheroptionsokc.org/) or Second Chance Animal Rescue (https://www.secondchancenorman.com/).

Please enjoy this remembrance video of Neill: https://vimeo.com/1080365437?share=copy#t=0