Marjorie C. Coker

Visitation will be held, 9:30-10:30am, Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Graveside services will follow at 11:00am in Lakewood Memorial Park, with Rev. Kelly Pope officiating.

A daughter of the late James Floyd Coleman and Viola Jeffcoat Coleman, Marjorie was born February 18, 1924, in Jackson, and lived most of her life there and in Pearl. She worked hard all of her life and retired after 35 years of service with Lamar Life Insurance Company. Marjorie loved her family with a tireless and bountiful love. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. Of her most admirable qualities, she was an extraordinary caregiver for her late husband, Charles Coker, and her beloved aunt Ibye McFerrin who lived to be 106. She helped her family discover not only who we are, but she endeared herself to us in our journeys. She was always there to see our hopes and dreams come true or stand by us in times of sorrow and need. As her family grew, she welcomed, loved, and nurtured all into her heart and her life.

Those who knew Marjorie were amazed by the great generosity of her spirit. She was actively involved with dear friends in Pearl United Methodist Church and UMW as they fulfilled missions to help others in need while also looking after one another. She lived each day to help someone else. She often asked, “What can I do to help you?” regardless of her own circumstances at the time. She was a role model busily preparing to make someone else’s life better and happier. It was never about her but all about family and friends who will forever cherish special shared moments. Although she suffered during her illness, she is now standing in the presence of God; and her prayer to “go be with Jesus” is now fulfilled.

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Peggy Hegwood Slaton (Jack) of Lavonia, GA; son, Paul Hegwood (Lynette) of Madison; step-daughter, Joan King (Camp) of Yazoo City; seven grandchildren, Keri McGraw (Dennis) of Cincinnati, OH, Kayla Massey (Robert) of Lavonia, GA, Paula Eaton (Jess) of Hartwell, GA, Cliff Slaton (Kristy) of Flowery Branch, GA, Emily Johnson (Robert) of Augusta, GA, Brendan Hegwood (Melissa) of Hermitage, PA; step-granddaughter, Taylor McCormack (Tom) of Columbus, OH; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Coleman (Nell) of Terry; sisters, Evelyn Keyes of Raymond and Barbara Lyle of Lena. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Coleman, and sister, Annette Schimpf.

Memorials may be made to Pearl United Methodist Church Memorial Prayer Garden Fund, 2265 South Pearson Rd., Pearl, Ms 39208 or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.

Our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Ruth Fredericks and Dr. George Patton for their compassionate care and patient advocacy. We thank the staff of St. Catherine’s Village for their dedication, care, and loving support. We also thank the team of Gentiva Hospice for care and spiritual and emotional guidance. Our sincerest heartfelt thanks go to Elmira Williams for her attentiveness, love, and gentle care.