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Obituary: Marilyn Coffman

marilyn

Marilyn Coffman, 85, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.

Born on Oct. 4, 1935, in Hector, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Lelus and Berna Mae Hurley.

After graduating as valedictorian at Hector High School, she married James Coffman whom was her husband for 61 years prior to his death. They moved to Batesville, Arkansas in 1959 for James to begin a career in the poultry industry while Marilyn stayed at home with two daughters, Susan and Saundra. She later accepted employment at the Arkansas Highway Department where she worked for almost 40 years.

Friends and family loved our dear “Mema” for taking care of their many needs. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up and especially loved attending their many sports activities. Marilyn was known for her “white Lincoln” which carried her to many places around town. Some of her favorite spots were Dairy Queen, Goodwill, and Conoco whom the employees greeted as “Miss Marilyn”. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Mema showed her determination to never give up by surviving four different cancers. She also promoted the wearing of a mask to protect herself before COVID ever existed.

Survivors include two daughters, Susan Parker (David) of Batesville, Arkansas, Saundra Gori (Paul) of Austin, Texas, Grandchildren Kristi Wiles (Josh) and Jon David Parker (Becky) of Wynne, Arkansas, Liz Hughes (Jacob) of Austin, Texas, Jon Gori of Wilmington, North Carolina, Great-Grandchildren Jake Anderson, Caleb Anderson, Halle Parker, Cate Parker, Parker Wiles, Ty Parker, Isaac James Parker, and Sister Pat Petty (Richard) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Nieces Tanya Sweetin (Lee) of Little Rock Arkansas and Reva O’Barr (Mike) of Russellville, Arkansas, and Nephew, David Coffman of Russellville, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, James.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. No visitation or memorial service will be held due to COVID precautions.

The family would like to acknowledge the caring staff at White River Diagnostics, Woodcrest Assisted Living, Kindred Hospice, Woodlawn Heights, White River Medical Center, and Bryant’s Pharmacy for their kindness extended to our mother.

Memorials may be made in her honor to Our Father’s Table, P.O. Box 2592, Batesville, AR 72503, and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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