Betty Coker

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Dubbs, Mississippi, Betty J. Coker lived a life full of love, devotion, and service to her family, friends, and faith community. She was the daughter of R.F. Edwards and Kate Lipsey Edwards and the beloved older sister to Ruby Edwards Schoggen. As a young girl, Betty loved driving her grandfather's tractor, using it to visit friends and explore the countryside. Growing up, Betty shared many fond memories with her sister Ruby and her cousin Juliene Edwards, who lived just down the road. The three of them spent much of their time together, enjoying each other's company, a bond they maintained throughout Betty's life. Betty moved to Memphis, where she trained and worked as a lab technician. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Koma Gene Coker, in a most wonderfully unexpected way-at her grandmother's funeral. K.G.'s father, having attended the visitation the night before, encouraged him to meet "the pretty girl" there. K.G. went to the funeral the next day, and the rest was history. Ten months later, they were married. In the early years of their marriage, Betty enjoyed Thursday night shopping in downtown Memphis, where K.G. would pick her up at Main and Gayoso. This was just one example of the many acts of service he performed to show how much he loved and adored her. Betty mirrored his devotion, showing unwavering dedication as a wife, especially during the last several years when K.G.'s health began to decline, also displaying her remarkable strength and resilience. Betty was a woman of unwavering faith and an active member of Germantown Baptist Church. Her dedication to serving others was evident through her involvement in various ministries. She taught Sunday School for 7th and 9th graders, as well as 2-year-olds, and led the singles ministry alongside K.G. Betty also contributed to children's church, Rossville ministries, nursing home ministries, and the Living Nativity. Much of her devotion to the church was evident in her role coordinating the weddings and, later, funerals for her church community. Her detailed and compassionate nature ensured each event was organized with great attention and love. She was a guiding light in her church community, impacting the lives of many with her kind spirit and selfless heart. Betty's love for her family also knew no bounds. She was always a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor, and cherished friend. Her unwavering support, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Betty's home was a place of warmth, where her family felt safe and loved, and where they gathered to celebrate the many holidays she held dear. Whether through her words or actions, Betty showed what it meant to love deeply and selflessly. She was preceded in death by her husband K.G.; her parents, R.F. Edwards and Kate Lipsey Edwards; her brother-in-law Ronnie Schoggen, her son-in-law Dennis McLemore, and many beloved dogs. She leaves behind her daughter, Tammy; her younger sister, Ruby; grandchildren, Katie and Andy (Sara); great-grandsons, William and Marshall; her close cousin, Juliene; nieces, Kim and Michele, her loyal dog, Max, who she worried about lovingly for as long as she was able; and a host of other family members and friends. Betty passed away early on Thanksgiving morning, ensuring that in their almost 64 years of marriage, she and K.G. never had to spend one holiday apart. Those who knew her well knew this is exactly how she would have wanted it-to be by his side-and it was a final reflection of her deep love and devotion as a wife. After just thirty days of separation, she is now reunited with her beloved husband as well as many dear family members and friends she cherished. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caretaker, Nora, for her kindness and unwavering support in the days leading up to and during Betty's final moments. Your care and compassion were a great comfort to Betty and played a vital role in helping her through many difficult times. Betty's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was always willing to help and give, showing compassion and care to everyone around her. A shining example of devotion and grace, her memory will be cherished forever. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of Tennessee. The funeral will take place on Monday, December 2nd, at Germantown Baptist Church at 12 p.m., with visitation starting at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Memorial Park.