Shirley Duke Coakley

Shirley Ann Duke Coakley, 78, joined the love of her life on Sunday May 10th. She was born May 22, 1936 in Ashland, VA. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Walter Coakley; her parents Nelson and Evelyn Duke; and siblings, Nelson Duke Jr. and Peggy Lane. She leaves to cherish her memory, three children, Ronnie Coakley (Pat), Michael Coakley (Michael) and Donna Emerson (Larry); five grandchildren, Matthew Coakley, Stephen Coakley, Sara Harris, Patrick Emerson and Chris Emerson; five great grandchildren Bethany, Nathan, Hope Harris, Rebekah and Matthew Coakley; two sisters, Barbara Carneal and Ruth Duke. Shirley enjoyed many activities with her best friend and husband Walter, including fishing, traveling and visiting their vacation home on the Chesapeake Bay. She had many adventures while traveling and visited 19 countries in the last 12 years. Shirley instilled in her children the benefits of hard work, honesty and love of family, attributes that will continue to live on. The family will receive friends from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005, where services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Interment will be at Signal Hill Memorial Park.