Shirley Jane "Johnson" Coggins

Shirley Johnson Palmer Coggins, age 89, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

She was born in Lee County on February 25, 1936 to the late James Earp Johnson and Annie Bright Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Lemuel Wilson Palmer and William "Joe" Joseph Coggins and brother Nathan Johnson.

Together with her late husband, Lemuel, she proudly owned and operated Parkside Phillips 66 Service Station and Palmer's Campers, serving the Sanford community for many years. Shirley was a long-time and devoted member of East Sanford Baptist Church, where she found great joy in worship and fellowship.

She is survived by her daughter Terry Palmer Williams (Ted) of Raleigh and son Larry J. Palmer (Terri) of Sanford; grandchildren Grant Williams (Jamie), Lauren Rasor (John Brooks), Ashley Lancaster (Bryan) and Abby Holt (Brian) and great-grandchildren Gunner, Cale, Harper, Lakely, Case, Palmer, Bella Grace and Hazel. Shirley is also survived by her precious dog Harley.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Lee Memory Gardens with Rev. Robbie Gibson officiating. There will be no formal visitation but Shirley will lie-in-state for family and friends to spend time with her on Wednesday, September 10th from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to East Sanford Baptist Church, 300 North Ave., Sanford, NC 27330; CARA (Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption), PO Box 2642, Sanford, NC 27331 or Amedysis Hospice of Franklin County, 3320 US 1 Hwy., Franklinton, NC 27525.