Patricia F. Coker

Patty Coker passed away on Tuesday, May 2 at the age of 96. She was a force of nature, seldom defeated, resolute, always trying to bring joy to others, and a defender of those who could not defend themselves. She was a lover of beauty – whether in music, art, dance, fashion, or flowers – and a firm believer that life is a joyous celebration. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, her only child, Curt, and her favorite child, daughter-in-law Suzie, who all miss her immensely.

Patty Coker was an only child, born in Laurel, Mississippi on January 1, 1927 to Russell and Erwin Fitzpatrick. Patty lived in many parts of the country before finally settling in Knoxville with Jerry in 1976, where Jerry was a jazz educator at the University of Tennessee. Patty and Jerry lived in Knoxville for 40 years and developed many lasting relationships there.

Patty was extraordinarily blessed with beauty, talent, intelligence, and an insatiable curiosity. She always made the best of whatever adversity life dealt her; you might say she bloomed wherever she was planted. Although her childhood was difficult, it was enriched by travel, literature, and involvement in theater, music, and dance, which led her to careers as a model, dance instructor, jazz singer and voice instructor, drummer, bass player, student advisor, secretary, author, and comedienne. She was Grace Kelly on the outside and Lucille Ball on the inside. She befriended many accomplished people from Calvin Coolidge to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bobby McFerrin, and counted Shirley Temple’s stand-in as her childhood arch-nemesis. Patty had a million stories, such as the time the secret service prevented her from hurling a tomato at a former president (“Ma’am, do you have a tomato in your purse?” “Yes, as a matter fact I do.” “What do you intend to do with it?” “Why, throw it, of course!”).

There will be a memorial service in Knoxville at 1 PM on Saturday, July 15 at Apostles Anglican Church, 1540 Robinson Road. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com