born on December 7, 1932 in Sylva, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Cole
Alexander Gibson and Leona Robinson Gibson. She graduated from Waynesville
Township High School and earned the Associate Arts Degree from Peace College, a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, cum laude, from Western Carolina University,
and a Master of Arts Degree from Furman University.
Ms Coffey taught English at Wade Hampton High School where she became the
Chair Person of the department. She later served for many years as Language Arts
Consultant for The School District of Greenville County. As a student and an educator,
she received various honors. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Fraternity, a
consultant for Advanced Placement English with the College Board, a member of The
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a regional judge for the National Council of
Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing, Outstanding Teacher of the Year, a
Senior English Consultant with McDougal, Littell Textbook Company, and a recipient of
The Albert T. Scroggins, Jr. Award by The South Carolina Scholastic Press Association
for contributions to the field of Scholastic Journalism in South Carolina.
Upon retirement, Ms. Coffey taught and studied in the Learning for Retirement
Program (now OLLI) at Furman University. She participated for years in a book club
which she helped to organize for Greenville County teachers and media specialists.
She volunteered at Ten Thousand Villages and The Friends Shop of the Greenville
County Library System. She was also a volunteer at Duncan Chapel Elementary where
she helped to teach students in reading. Betty was an active member of the Greenville
Woman’s Club where she held various offices. This club was later replaced by the
General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Carolina. Additionally she traveled for
several years throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Betty was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Coffey was predeceased by sisters Juanita Gibson
Leatherwood and Colleen Gibson Crayne and a nephew, Walker Alex Norris. Surviving
are nephews Thomas Edward Norris (Corinne) of Murrayville, Georgia and Gary Vinson
Sutton (Joleen) of Greenville, South Carolina, a niece Laura Lea Leatherwood of
Gaston, South Carolina, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and
nephews.
In compliance with Betty’s request, no funeral service will be observed. Interment
will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the Greenville Literacy Association, 225 South
Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or to First Presbyterian Church, 200 West
Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
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