Jacqueline Beatrice Gardenhire Coker, 83, of Florence, Alabama, passed away March 1, 2015. A private memorial service conducted by Laura Trapp Rodich is planned. A native of Port Arthur, Texas, Jackie lived in Florence since 1996. She retired after working many years for the state of Mississippi. During her retirement, Jackie worked as a foster grandparent at Freedom House in Rogersville, Alabama.
Survivors include daughter Lisa Thigpen (Billy), Florence; sons David E. Coker, Anchorage, AK; Charles H. Coker, Hollywood, FL; and Timothy S. Coker, Florence. Also surviving are grandchildren Ashley Lawrence (Trey), Collierville, TN; Blair Loggins (James Sehrt), Nashville, TN; Elizabeth Loggins, Birmingham, AL; Andy Thigpen, Florence; Sarah Thigpen (Trey Weichman), Birmingham; Jon Christian Thigpen, Florence; and great grandchildren Jack and Lillie Bee Lawrence, Collierville, TN. Jackie is also survived by her sister, Wanda Murry, Orange, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Winnie Campbell Gardenhire and Boyd Gardenhire, siblings Muriel Flitton, Boyd Gardenhire, Jr., Harold Gardenhire, and Betty Van Slyke and grandson Justin Loggins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to organizations close to Jackie’s heart: your local animal shelter, P.A.W.S. (2701 PMD 277, Florence, AL 35630), Foster Grandparent Program (100 Westside Apts., Russellville, AL 35653, phone 256-332-6846), Sidney’s Safe Foundation (sidneyssafe.org, 3211 Roberson Rd., Florence, AL 35630), and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Glenwood Healthcare for their kind and compassionate care of Jackie.
Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
