Hannah Asabe "Sister Cokes" Coker

In Loving Memory of
Hannah Asabe Coker
May 6, 1933 – September 5, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life of service that we announce the passing of. Hannah Asabe Coker, known affectionately to so many as "Sister Cokes." On September 5th, 2025, at the age of 92, she passed away peacefully in Lake Forest, California, surrounded by the love of her family.

Hannah's remarkable journey began on May 6th, 1933, in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, born to the late Frederick Godfrey and Martha Coker. In her teenage years, she moved to Sierra Leone, where she blossomed as a young student at the prestigious Annie Walsh Memorial School in Freetown.

Driven by a calling to care for others, she crossed the globe to pursue a career in nursing, beginning her studies in Nottinghamshire, England, and later undertaking Post-Graduate studies at the renowned Johns Hopkins University. She returned to Sierra Leone, dedicating her immense talent to the nation's healthcare system. Her early service included time at Bo Government Hospital in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone before she began her long and impactful career at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), where she served as the Matron in charge of the Surgical Theatre and later as the Head Matron. Her distinguished career culminated in her retirement as the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer of Sierra Leone.

She was not just a leader, mentor, and inspiration; her compassion was boundless. She was known throughout the community for going above and beyond to help the poor, often providing free medical care and giving selflessly to anyone in need-truly a soul who would give the shirt off her back to help another.

While her professional accomplishments were vast, her greatest pride was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Martha Coker; her beloved brothers, Samuel and Godfrey Coker; and Dr. Millicent Rosamond Vann of Maryland. A beloved matriarch, she leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her devoted son, Eldred Williams, and her daughter-in-law, Dr. Bunmi Bakare. She was the proud and loving grandmother of OluKoyede and Oluatomi. Her memory will be treasured by her siblings: Mrs. MaryAnn Williams (Freetown, Sierra Leone); Mr. Frederick Coker and his wife, Dorcas Thomas-Coker (Lafayette, Indiana); Mrs. Catherine Thorpe and her husband, Dr. Samuel Thorpe (Freetown, Sierra Leone); Mr. Arthur Coker (Los Angeles, California); and Dr. Estelle Eke (Sacramento, California), along with their many children and grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by the Olu-Williams family, her extended family in Nigeria, the family of her late brother Samuel Coker, the family of her late brother Godfrey Coker including his wife Petrina Coker of Ghana, and the family of the late Dr. Millicent Rosamond Vann, including her husband, Dr. Willie Vann.

Her life was also enriched by a community of colleagues and friends who became family. She will be fondly remembered by the many she mentored and worked with at PCMH and Connaught Hospital in Freetown; her dear friends, including Mrs. Ayodele Cole and family, the family of the Madam Catherine Okonie-Davies, the Priddy Family of Mountain Cut and Bango Farm Adonkia Freetown, the Harding Family of Freetown and UK, the King-Koroma family of Soldier Street, and their matriarch the late Mrs. Ewumi King; the Yilla family in the Sierra Leone, US, and UK and her faithful shih tzu, Cookie.

Hannah Coker lived a life of purpose, professionalism, and unwavering generosity, leaving an indelible mark of compassion on her family, her country, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed.

Forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten.