Shirley Odom Coco died on February 5, 2026 at Holly Court Assisted Living Home in Baton Rouge, LA. She was 93 years old at her death. She was born on September 18,1932 at her parent’s farm in Boyce, LA. Shirley is survived by 3 sons, Robert Coco of Baton Rouge, LA (Emily Roubique), David Coco of Tellico Village, TN (Sandra Negri)and Paul Coco of Holly Springs, NC (Julie Taylor). She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Audrey Odom of Boyce, LA, a brother, Bruce Odom of Poland, LA and husband, Curtis Coco of Baton Rouge.
Shirley graduated from Boyce High School in 1950 where she was a member of the All State Band and was voted Prettiest Girl in her graduating class. Upon graduation she entered Business School in Alexandria when she met Curtis Coco who was working in the local theatre. She and Curtis married on February 3, 1952. She worked at National Life Insurance Company and modeled clothes for Wellan’s Department Store in Alexandria, LA until they moved to Baton Rouge in 1967 with their two older boys. They moved into a new home in Sherwood Forest subdivision where they spent the remainder of Curtis and Shirley’s married life. Paul was born during this period in 1970. Shirley had various secretarial jobs but ended her career working for the Louisiana Dept of Agriculture for 29 years. She retired as the Assistant Commissioner’s Secretary. Once retired, Shirley and Curtis devoted themselves to their church community, Broadmoor United Methodist Church. They participated in Sunday school, worship and were active in Holy Chow. Shirley also organized several group trips around the county including a trip to Washington, D.C. Shirley and Curtis had a second home in Boyce and enjoyed returning to Shirley’s childhood home when time allowed. They also enjoyed spending time with their young grandchildren.
Shirley’s funeral service will be held Thursday Feb 12 at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home at 11000 Florida Blvd. The viewing will be from 10:30am – 12:30pm with a service held by Rev. Leslie Hyacinth of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life with her family. Burial will be held Friday Feb 13 at Hemphill Star Creek Cemetery in Boyce, LA. Memorial donations may be made to Broadmoor Methodist Church or Broadmoor Methodist Preschool in lieu of flowers.
