Anita Coffman

Anita was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 16, 1948, to Ivy and Clara Cox. She graduated from W.H. Adamson High School in Dallas before earning an Associate Degree in Accounting and Office Management. Throughout her life, Anita was known for her unwavering faith, loving heart, determined spirit, and fierce devotion to her family.

Anita shared a beautiful life with her beloved husband, James Lewis "Jimmy" Coffman, in Brownsville, Tennessee, where together they built a home centered on faith, hard work, and family. Jimmy was the love of her life, and although he preceded her in death, she carried his memory in her heart every day.

Anita enjoyed a long and fulfilling career. She worked for many years at Bruce Hardwood Floors in Jackson, Tennessee, before continuing her career with PicSweet Foods in Bells, Tennessee. She later joined Jackson State Community College, where she served in the Continuing Education Department for the final ten years of her career before retiring. She took great pride in her work and the lifelong friendships she made along the way.

A devoted Christian, Anita loved the Lord and faithfully attended church throughout her life. Her relationship with Christ was the foundation upon which she built her family and lived her life. She found joy in worship, comfort in Scripture, and peace in God's promises

Nothing meant more to Anita than her family. She was a devoted mother and an adoring grandmother who spoke often of her beloved grandchildren, Tyler Hatcher and Chloe Hatcher, asking about them nearly every day. She also cherished the companionship of her precious Chihuahua, Karma, who faithfully remained by her side during her years in assisted living.

Anita possessed a remarkable strength of character and an independent spirit. Even as dementia gradually changed her life, she fought courageously to preserve her independence, her dignity, and her ability to make her own decisions. Those who loved her witnessed not only the heartbreaking effects of the disease, but also the incredible determination that never left her. Her resilience was a reflection of the strong woman she had always been, and her courage throughout that journey will never be forgotten.

Anita is survived by her son, Michael Shane Sherwood and wife, LaDonna; her daughter, Paula Maxon and husband, Derek; her cherished grandchildren, Tyler Hatcher and Chloe Hatcher; her brother, Hollise Cox and wife, Thi; her sister, Pat Duncan (late Roger); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her church family, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Ivy and Clara Cox; her beloved husband, Jimmy Coffman; her cherished identical twin sister and lifelong best friend, Annette Rupp; her beloved sister, Joanna Pardue; and her brother, J.T. McBride.

A celebration of Anita's life will be held at Central Baptist Church in Athens, Texas, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing Anita has been made whole again and has been reunited with Jimmy, Annette, and those who went before her. Her steadfast faith, enduring love for her family, and courageous spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

“His Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.’” — Matthew 25:23