Mary Coker

Mary Frances Coker

Jun/16/1926 - Feb/24/2012

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Obituary of Mary Frances Coker

ELGIN – A celebration of life for Mary Frances “Goonie” Coker, 85, will be held on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 1062 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, S.C., with the Rev. Dr. Charles Everett and the Rev. Dr. Mark Bredholt officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhaven Memorials Gardens, Hwy 1 in Elgin. The family will receive friends Sunday 4-6 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff. After a long illness, and being surrounded in her home by her children and loved ones, Frances Coker joined her late husband, Lindsay, in their eternal home with the Lord on Friday, February 24, 2012. The daughter of the late Ben T. and Marie Watson Branham, she spent much of her adult life away from her beloved hometown of Blaney, while traveling with Lindsay during his military career. Upon his retirement from the Army, they returned to that Southern community that she so dearly loved. A devoted Christian, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, she also loved her church family. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, The Joy Sunday School Class, and Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 298, Camden, S.C. She enjoyed sewing, fresh vegetables from her garden, and traveling. Being sentimental she kept a huge photograph collection, many simple gifts and mementos, for these were representations of others’ love for her. If one had to state a hobby for Goonie, it would be her love and concern for people. Despite her petite stature, her influence on others was tremendous. With a spry sense of humor and knack for “telling it as it is” she never left one wondering what was on her mind. Those who visited her commented often on the blessing they received when their intent was to be the giver of a blessing. Surviving are daughter, Judy Branham (Sonny) of Elgin; sons, Tommy Coker (Diane), and Mike Coker of Elgin; six grandchildren, Benny Morgan, Erica Page, Jessica, Ryan, Erin, and Troy Coker; seven great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; brothers, Curtis Branham of Blythewood; and a sister, Thelma Meadows of Wagner. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Sanders; brothers, Thomas Woodrow, Ernest, Bud, and Corbett Branham, and her loving dog and constant companion, Gunner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1062 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, S.C. 29078 or Hospice of Tri County, 2039 DeKalb Street, Camden, S.C. 29020. Special thanks to Hospice of Tri County staff, and nurse, Sherry, Chaplin Mark, social worker Margaret, CNA Amanda; caregivers, Frances, Charlotte, MaryJo, Faye, and Bea; and family and friends for their phone calls, food, and visits.

Visitation

2/26/2012, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Powers Funeral Home

Funeral Service

2/27/2012, 2:00 PM, Trinity Baptist Church