She was born in Lynchburg on April 28, 1931, daughter of the late Herbert R. and Mary T.
Shelton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57
years, Demarest E. Coffey and a brother, Herbert P. Shelton.
Mary was a devoted lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Monroe where she showed her love for Christ by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. Mary loved her family and cherished playing with her two grandchildren. She was an excellent hostess as cooking for her family and having them near for holidays and get-togethers brought her joy and fulfillment. Watching sports was one of Mary’s favorite pastimes and she enjoyed talking about the games and scores with others. She had a “green thumb” as she could keep many houseplants alive and found enjoyment in all the different flowers and plants she could nurse. Mary's character was fueled by her everlasting patience, care, kindness, and compassion. Her sweetness is a testament to her love for the Lord and the love for her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pam C. Thomas and husband Jay; a son,
Robert P. Coffey and wife Laurel as well as two grandchildren whom she adored, Will Coffey
and Chrisie Thomas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at First
Baptist Church of Monroe with Rev. Dr. Michael Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow at Briarwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 1:45 prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of
Monroe, P.O. Box 247, Monroe, VA 24574 or Central Virginia Regional Rescue (CVRR), P.O.
Box 2172, Forest, VA 24551
