Bessie I. Coker

Bessie I. Coker

March 29, 1940 – March 16, 2023

Bessie Irene Coker, age 82 of Monroe, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the ProMedica Regional Hospital of Monroe.

Born March 29, 1940, in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late Silas and Ruby (Keck) Drummonds. Bessie graduated from Claiborne County High School in 1959.

Bessie met and married the love of her life: Eugene K. Coker, Sr. on November 26, 1960 in Tazewell, Tennessee. She was a loving homemaker to her husband and two children growing up. They spent over 37 wonderful years together up until his passing in 1997.

Bessie was a member of Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She was a former member at Kentucky Park Missionary Baptist and at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church. Bessie was a very spiritual and prayerful person. She was known as a prayer warrior by those close to her. Bessie enjoyed sewing, gardening, and canning. Most importantly she loved spending quality time with her family and spoiling her grandkids.

Beloved mother of Eugene Kenneth (Krysta) Coker, Jr. of Monroe, and Sheila (Roger) Johnson of Monroe. Loving grandmother of three grandchildren and several step grandchildren. Great grandmother of many great grandchildren and great great grandmother of one. Dear sister of Arlee (Earl) Maples of Tazewell, Faye Engel Drummonds of Tazewell, and Jill Lerea Drummonds of Tazewell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by husband: Eugene Coker, Sr.; and siblings: Swan Drummonds, Bobby Drummonds, and Rosa Keck.

Everyone is invited to a visitation on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Rupp Funeral Home from 1:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be on Saturday, March 25, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm at Rupp Funeral Home. Officiating is Pastor BJ McDaniel. Burial will take place at 12pm on Monday, March 27, 2023 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com