Jimmie Jean Coker, age 81, of Russellville, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. She was born September 12, 1942, in Mountain Pine to Arzel and Georgia Stuart Jester.
She graduated from Mountain Pine High School in 1960, where she was a star forward for the basketball team and Homecoming Queen. Even into her 60s, you did not want to challenge her to a free-throw contest. She was a bank teller for Peoples Bank and Trust for many years where she enjoyed her co-workers and many regular customers. She was also a member of P.E.O., Chapter AH, and Central Presbyterian Church, where she was an active member for over 50 years. Jimmie lived her life to serve others. She touched many lives feeding the hungry at Neighbors’ Table, writing notes and sending cards to let people know they were remembered, providing rides for friends to doctor visits, pharmacies, or grocery stores. She had a heart for the discouraged and those in need of a friend. She loved spending time with her family and cooking for them, providing many memorable Sunday dinners. Jimmie loved to read, especially biographies. She played the piano in earlier years, and she loved to sing in church. She was a plant whisperer, nurturing life and beauty from her tender care of plants. She was never too old to learn new things. She took care of horses alongside her husband, Ken Sr., for many years and after his passing. She was a beloved Nana to her grandsons of whom she was very proud.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ken Coker Sr.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Ken Jr. and Kellie Coker of Russellville and Keith and Sarah Coker of Conway; four grandchildren, Cameron (Amy) Coker of Sherwood, Drew (Emily Austin) Coker of St. Louis, Missouri, Sam (Jordan Aspiras) Coker of Chicago, Illinois and Joe (Olivia) Coker of Charlotte, North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Eleanor Coker; and her dear cousin, Brenda Rose Mitchell.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Central Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Brian Brock officiating with burial in Rest Haven Memorial Park, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Central Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, 400 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801.
Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.