“The sun’s coming up in the morning, Every tear will be gone from mine eye. This ol’ house is gonna give way to glory, And like an eagle, I’ll take to the sky.” On January 6th, 2024, Claudette Coffman, of Corryton, TN, made that long awaited journey - passing away from the effects of Lewy Body Dementia.
Claudette was born on October 21, 1940 to Claude and Eva Collins in Maynardville, Tennessee. She was one of the seven Collins sisters - all of whom she loved dearly and held close to her heart her entire life. Claudette was married 52 years to Ledford Coffman and had three children: Lisa Moles, Larry Coffman, and Lora Blake. For over 50 years, she lived in the Gibbs Community in Corryton, TN.
Claudette worked at the Standard Knitting Mill for a time before spending many years raising her children and cleaning houses. Later in life, she worked at Babelay Greenhouses - surrounded by the plants she loved, and visiting with the many friends who stopped by, year after year, to see her face and keep their gardens growing.
Singing gospel with her sisters was one of Claudette’s joys. Together with her sisters, she spent many Saturday nights and Sundays singing in churches all throughout the hollers. Much of her life, Claudette was an avid softball fan. Whether it was her children, grandchildren, or Hard Ball playing, she could always be seen in her chair at the fence - cheering them on to a win. Hitting the yard sales was another favorite past time. She never missed an opportunity to swing into a driveway to find hidden treasures.
A longtime member of Emory Valley Baptist Church, Claudette was a giving, selfless person always glad and eager to help anyone in need, at any hour of the day, often with a pot of beans, pan of biscuits and gravy or chocolate pie…never asking for anything in return and always with a smile. She lived by the motto, “You can’t do everything, but you can always do something” – a sentiment shown not just in words, but in actions. Let her acts of kindness and love be the precious memories which linger for us all.
Claudette was preceded in death by her Mother (Eva Collins), Father (Claude Collins), Husband (Ledford Coffman), Sister (Carol Graves) and her dog (Cookie). She is survived by her children Lisa Moles (Matt), Larry Coffman (Eric), Lora Blake (Robbie), grandchildren: Justin Ownby (Haley), Eva Ownby, Shelby Blake (Luke), Abbey Seymour (Gage) great grandchild, Harper Seymour; sisters: Dottie William (Jerry), Mary Jane Whitson (James), Patricia Kidwell , Katrinka Nicely, Kathy Beeler (Doug), brothers and sisters-in-law, squirrels, birds, frogs, a buzzard, and all of the other critters which brought daily joy to her life.
The family would like to give a special thanks the caregivers who went above and beyond to help them provide round-the-clock care for their mother at home the past few years: Fern Young, Linda Stephens, Penny Merritt, Gina Beard, Jessica Ray, Darryl Woodbridge, Smoky Mountain Hospice, and the rest of our incredible community of family and friends who supported them along the way with prayer, smiles, and helping hands.
The family will receive friends 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The service to follow with Reverend Bobby Kitts, Reverend Doug Fielden and Reverend Dale Parker officiating. Family and friends will meet 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024 to proceed to Monroe Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. Trinity Funeral Home, LLC, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Claudette Coffman. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net