Joyce R. "Didda" Cofer's Obituary
Joyce R. Cofer, 94, lovingly known as “Didda,” passed away peacefully while surrounded by her children and family on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
Didda was a bright light and brought joy to all who knew her. She had an ever-present smile and infectious laugh, and made everyone she met feel special. Her kind heart and caring spirit truly made the world a better place.
A West Tennessee native, she was born in the small town of McKenzie, TN, but lived in nearby Jackson, TN until she married her husband Wendell E. Cofer, “Cofer,” in 1950. They settled in Memphis to raise their family and were married for 25 wonderful years. Until 2021, Didda continued to live in the same home she and Cofer shared together and made memories there for 63 years.
Didda demonstrated a deep love and loyalty for her family, which meant everything to her. She was the daughter of John W. Roberts and Edrelle M. Chambers, and had one sibling, Nancy R. Hale, 91, of Collierville, TN. In fact, Nancy gave her sister the nickname “Didda” when they were small children, and the name stuck through the years. She was the beloved mother of three children and proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who adored her.
Didda was a strong woman of faith and a dedicated member of Colonial Baptist Church in Memphis since it was founded in 1952. She served in the church her entire life and embodied Christian love and devotion in all she did.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in child welfare from Union University and spent many years in social work. She also worked as a receptionist at Baptist Rehabilitation Hospital for 13 years.
Didda is preceded in death by her husband, Wendell E. Cofer, and grandson, Jamie Cofer (Melissa).
She is survived by her three children: Wendell E. Cofer II, “Gene” (Lydia), of Memphis; Rhonda Cofer Simmons (Brad) of Murfreesboro, TN, and James W. Cofer, “Jim” (Carole Cobb), of Waterford, MS. Her seven grandchildren: Desiree Reagan (Philip), Connie Boyle (Steven), Carrie McCullough (Forrest), Kane Simmons (Kendall), Dell Cofer (Victoria), Logan Simmons (Logan) and Chip Cofer (Lindsey). Her 10 great grandchildren: Bella Mastracco, Evan Boyle, Jackson Cofer, Kai Cofer, Joanna Boyle, Makayla Reagan, Makenzie Reagan, Owen Cofer, Miles Cofer and Barrett McCullough.
She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Hale; and nieces Sharon Hale Marr (Bill) of Collierville, TN; Nan Hale of Nashville, TN; Frances Pruett Burns (Dex) of Arlington, TN; and Mary Ann Pruett Elkouz (Omar) of Rosemark, TN; as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Her oldest grandchild, Desiree Reagan, said it beautifully:
“My sweet grandma, Didda, went to be with the Lord. She was amazing, so kind and gentle, and loved her family so much. I am thankful for all the special memories I will always cherish. I know you will guide me always from Heaven. I bet your day was amazing!”
“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:25
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to Colonial Baptist Church located at 1503 Colonial Rd., Memphis, TN 38117.
Family will receive friends Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Memorial Park Funeral Home-Fireside Chapel, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 with service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
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