James Avery & Ethel Mae Noah Coffey

James Avery Coffey was a descendant of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey. He was a son of George Washington and Mary Elizabeth Lewis Coffey and was born on Jun. 1, 1882 in Hickory Co., NC.  He moved to Watonga, Blaine Co., OK sometime before 1906 when he married Ethel Mae Noah there on Dec. 29 of that year.

Ethel was a daughter of Benjamin F. and Clara M. Noah. She was born Nov. 11, 1890 in Beloit, Mitchell Co., KS and died in Okeene, Blaine Co., OK on Jul. 15, 1981.  Both she and James are buried at Canton Cemetery, Canton, Blaine Co., OK.

She and James were parents of at least 13 children; 8 sons and 5 daughters.

Today, I will write about one of their youngest sons: Elmo Wilbur Coffey, born Dec. 23, 1927. Elmo married Lydia Faye Medicine Elk, a full blooded Cheyenne, daughter of James Medicine Elk and Jennie Black, also Cheyenne.

An entry on the Jenny Black Find-A-Grave memorial site reads:

"Jennie Black Medicine Elk was the daughter of Jay Black (Kettle). She was also a great granddaughter of Wolf, brother of Cheyenne Peace Chief Blackkettle. Wolf survived both massacres at Sand Creek and Washita. Wolf changed his name to Black Kettle to honor his brother after he was slain at Washita. She was closely raised with her cousins, Ameil Curtis and Mary Black Haag; and considered them her brother and sister. She married James Medicine Elk, who became keeper of the sacred arrows for the Southern Cheyenne. Together they has [sic] a son, James Joseph Medicine Elk and a daughter, Lydia Fay Medicine Elk."

A photo from her memorial site:

Jennie stands left. Seated is Mary Black Haag and right is Katie Haag Hawkins
(Memorial Photos Contributed by Marlon Fixico)

James and Jennie had two children; one son, James J. Medicine Elk, born May 6, 1929, died Jan. 9, 1922 in Oklahoma and Lydia Faye Medicine Elk, born Feb. 10, 1933, died Jan. 28, 1968 also in Oklahoma.

James J. served in the US Navy during World War II, attested to by his military grave marker at the Indian Mennonite Cemetery in Canton.  I have not found a spouse.

Lydia Faye was born Feb. 10, 1933 in Lincoln, Dewey Co., OK to James Medicine Elk and Jennie Black, both Cheyenne.  She  died Jun. 28, 1968 and was buried at Indian Mennonite Cemetery in Canton. I have not yet found a marriage record for them but based on year of birth of their seven children, it was likely in latter part of 1949 or early 1950.

Their children were:

George Ferrell Coffey, born Jun. 30, 1951, died Mar. 26, 2002 at Canton. His military marker tells us he was a Specialist Fourth Class in the US Army and likely served during the Viet Nam War.

Walter Edward Coffey, born Mar. 20, 1953 at Canton, died Apr. 5, 2016 at El Reno, Canadian Co., OK.  He was buried Apr. 7, 2016 at the Cantonment Cemetery at Canton.

Thelma Louise Coffey, born Mar. 3, 1955 at Clinton, Custer Co., OK, died Nov. 10, 2014 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Co. She too is buried at Cantonment.

Dena Deloris Coffey, born Nov. 8, 1956 in OK and died there on Apr. 29, 1997. She is buried at the Indian Mennonite Cemetery.

Gloria Lanette Coffey - information private.

Reva Sue Coffey, born May 6, 1959 in OK, died there on Apr. 11, 1996 and is also buried at the Indian Mennonite Cemetery.

Jennie Mae Coffey - information private

James T. Coffey - Suicide in Marshall, Saline Co., MO

MARSHALL—REPUBLICAN, VOL. IX. MARSHALL. SALINE COUNTY, MISSOURI. JUNE 3. 1900. NO. 13.

SUICIDE IN HIS CELL.

James Coffey, a Farmer, Hangs Himself While

Confined in the City Jail. Insanity
the Cause.

Fatalities have become most frequent happenings about Marshall in the past few weeks.  Suicide and other manner of death follow so fast upon the tread of each other that they occasion little talk and less excitement. The last sensational happening of this nature, occurred Tuesday morning, an inmate of the city jail ending his life by hanging himself.

James Coffey was the suicide. He was formerly a farmer living about 4 1/2 miles northeast of Marshall, one-half mile west of Capt. Elliott's farm.  Since his family moved to Missouri from Tennessee, he had been regarded as an honest, sober and hard working man, though rather peculiar in his ways.  During the night of Wednesday, May 31st, he left his home, and was found on the Miami road near Fairville, wandering about next day, his mind seriously affected. Mr. Matt Hall, who happened along, observed his condition and brought him to Marshall, where he was turned over to the custody of the sheriff. 

Coffey seemed to return to his reason some what, and his trial before the Probate court led to the opinion that he would soon regain his mind completely. He was therefore ordered held in charge for a few days, when if recovery followed he was to be released and allowed to return home.  As the county had no suitable place for his confinement, the city officers took him to the jail quarters of the city hall, where in the day time he was allowed the freedom of the corridor. 

The prisoner, who in his ravings, imagined himself pursued by a threatening mob, was visited on Monday afternoon by his wife, who brought him a pie wrapped in a tea towel.  Monday night and Tuesday morning his actions evidenced a more violent insanity. At 9:30 Tuesday morning, keeper of the jail, Brice, when accompanying a lady visitor to his cell, discovered Coffey hanging from the upper birth of his cell, his body suspended by means of the tea-towel tied around his neck and attached to the lattice work of the birth. 

Assistance was at once called, little Charley Herndon cutting the cloth by which he hung, but the insane man was lifeless. The upper birth is only about five feet from the floor, and Coffey, in order to accomplish his death, had thrown his feet from under him allowing the weight of his body to produce a choking death. 

The coroner was notified and summoned a jury at once which returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by "hanging himself with a towel," signed by Jno. Cunningham, foreman; J. R. Plynu, W. D. Black, A. J. Graves, M. T.  Campbell and N. F. Randolph.

His body was removed to the undertaking rooms and thence to his home on the farm, the burial taking place Wednesday at Shiloh. He was a heavy, rather tall, well built man, aged about forty-five years, with sandy hair, beard and mustache. He leaves a wife and four children who mourn deeply the loss of a father not responsible for this act of suicide in his demented condition.

Note: This was James T. Coffey who was born c1852 in Tennessee. His wife was Sarah E. Moore Coffey, born c1861 in Missouri. They appeared in the 1900 Marshall Twp., Saline Co., MO census. Their children then (all born in MO) were Grover C., born c1885; Hattie, born c1887; Joseph, born c1889; James Q., born c1875 in KY and a lodger, John Davison, age 29, born in MO. James was enumerated as James P., age 48, born in TN. Sarah was enumerated as head of household, likely meaning that James was already known to be incapacitated to some degree.

Who were the parents of James?

Sources:

United States Census, 1900," index and images,  FamilySearch  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M3D6-R5P : accessed 10 Mar 2014), James P Coffee in household of Sarah E Coffey, Marshall Township (excl. Marshall city, incl. Missouri Valley College), Saline, Missouri, United States; citing sheet , family 290, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240902

Library of Congress (http://tinyurl.com/kjulmmm)

Jason Coffey (1874-1936)

Jason, a son of James Knox P. and Ann S. Williams Coffey, was born Nov. 26, 1874 in Middleburg Twp., Casey Co., KY.  From census records he was a dry goods salesman and/or merchant in that part of Kentucky for most of his life.

His first wife was Deva Dell Cox, a daughter of M.E.. and Eniza McClure Cox, born Dec. 16, 1881 in Casey Co.  They were married on Nov. 14, 1904* in Liberty, Casey Co. and remained together until Deva's death from Influenza on Jan. 12, 1923 in Yosemite, Casey Co.  She was buried at Middleburg Cemetery.

I can find three children born to this union:

James McClure, born May 28, 1907 in Casey Co., and died there on Jul. 18, 1907.  He is also buried at Middleburg Cemetery.

Maurine, born 1910, died 1977 in Middleburg.  She married George A. Elliott, born 1913, but I have not found a marriage record.  George died in 2004; Maurine died in Middleburg in 1977.  Both are buried at Middleburg Cemetery.

The last child was Alice Maxine, born c1916.  No further information.

Following Deva's death, Jason married Wanda Hatter, c1924.  She was a daughter of Fountain and Sarah Angeline Black Hatter.  I have seen her given name reported as Wauda and Wauda Wanda in several on-line genealogies.  The SSDI and the 1930 census records her name as Wanda.  In the 1900 census, while still in her parents household, was recorded as Wandy, born May, 1890.  The SSDI reports her birth year as 1889.  I have not seen her headstone but, she is recorded on Find-A-Grave (FAG) as Wauda H. Black Coffey**  with a birth date of Mar. 18, 1889 and a death date of Mar. 26, 1972.    I do not believe she was married prior to her union with Jason.  In the 1930 census she gave her age as 38 and married at age 32.  She is buried at Green River Christian Church Cemetery in Yosemite.

Jason died on Jun. 22, 1936 in Yosemite and was buried the following day at Middleburg Cemetery.

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*Groom's Name: Jason Coffey Groom's Birth Date: Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: Bride's Name: Deva Dell Cox Bride's Birth Date: Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: Marriage Date: 14 Nov 1904 Marriage Place: Liberty, Casey, Kentucky Groom's Father's Name: Groom's Mother's Name: Bride's Father's Name: Bride's Mother's Name: Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01529-8 System Origin: Kentucky-EASy Source Film Number: 1942721 Reference Number: P. 240-41

**Many FAG contributors are known to add more information to their entries than appears on the headstone.

Peter Virgil "Squire" Coffey

This is a third blog attempt to bring together the family of Peter and his descendants.  I did not have a lot of information on them until I found Wayne Coffey's headstone collection that he submitted to Find-A-Grave.  Wayne also sent the obituary and other information about Peter's family.

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Peter Virgil Coffey

Peter was a son of Charles B. & Ophelia* Everette (var.) Coffey.  He was born on Jun. 15, 1849 in Nelson Co., VA and died in Stuarts Draft, Augusta Co., VA on May 21, 1937.  He is buried at Calvary United Methodist Church cemetery at Stuarts Draft.

*Amherst Co. marriage records, 1763-1821 gives her name as Theodora.  Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850, spells her name as Theocler with the letter S written in over the letter R.


His obituary:

STUARTS DRAFT, May 28-, -- Peter V. Coffey, peacefully passed to his  heavenly home, at his residence at Stuarts Draft at one a. m. Friday,  May 21, 1937, after an illness of about a month.  He was born in Nelson  county June 15, 1849, of Scottish descent, his father having been Charles Coffey and his mother Ophelia Coffey (nee Everet). He moved to Augusta county when a young man and spent the rest of his long and useful life in, and in the vicinity of Stuarts Draft where he engaged in farming,  lumbering, etc. For the last twenty years of his life he was justice of the peace and was known as "Squire Coffey."

Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Bettie Catherine Kennedy, of  Augusta county, Dec. 24, 1879*. To this marriage were born four daughters and five sons. His wife, who passed away June 17, 1930, and a son and two daughters preceded him in death.  Children survive: J. E.  and J. L., of Mint Spring; the Rev. H. S., pastor of Granbery Memorial  M. E. church, South, Covington; Mrs. M. E. Elliott, Staunton; Russel E., Bluefield, W. Va., and Mrs. Roy Black, Stuarts Draft, who tenderly cared for him after the death of Mrs. Coffey.

 Mr. Coffey united with the Baptist church in early life, but many years  ago transferred his membership to the M. E. church, South, in which he was  an efficient and faithful member and held an official relation for many  years, having been a delegate frequently to the annual and district  conferences and was a member of the board of stewards of Calvary church  at the time of his death.  He was interested in the work of his adopted church until his death, often inquiring about the progress of the work  through his pastor and others.  He spoke of death as one who was preparing  for a pleasant journey. Death did not hold any terrors to him. He had  implicit faith in God for the forgiveness of sin through the atonement of  Jesus Christ.  He loved his church and the ministry of his church; always  was ready to speak a good word about the former pastors of his church.  He dearly loved his children and was held in the highest esteem and devotion  by his children and his grandchildren, of which he had a number.  Mr.  Coffey had been a prominent figure in his community for many years, in his  church, in business, in clean politics, and in everything that was for the  betterment of humanity.

His funeral service was conducted from Calvary church Sunday, May 23,  at three p. m. by his pastor, the Rev. A. Van Devander, assisted by Dr.  E. L. Woolf, pastor of the Harrisonburg M. E. church, South; the Rev. H. W.  Craver, pastor of Greenville M. E. church, South, and the Rev. T. H.  Campbell, pastor of Stuarts Draft Baptist church.  His body was tenderly  laid at rest in the cemetery adjoining Calvary church.  It is said by some  that his funeral was attended by the largest concourse of people that ever assembled at Calvary church. Less than half of the people could get in the  church.

At his own request the stewards of Calvary church were the active  pallbearers:  J. T. Almarode, Alden D. Rader, A. G. Painter, C. L. Dodge,  I. F. Fitzgerald, H. L. Henkel, W. Y. Boyd, E. M. Conner, and Layton Thacker.

The following hymns were sung: "The Solid Rock," "Home of the Soul,"  as a solo and "How Firm a Foundation."  His pastor chose as his theme,  "God's Harvest Home;" text, "Thou shalt come to thy grave in full age,  like as a shock of corn cometh in his season," Job 5:26.

Bettie Catherine Kennedy Coffey

Peter married Bettie Catherine Kennedy on Dec. 24, 1879 in Augusta Co.  Betty was born on July 25, 1857 in Virginia and died there on June 17, 1930.  See too is buried at Calvary.

Their children were:

John Emmett, born May 9, 1877, died Nov. 5, 1942.  John married first, Willie Harris c1904 in Augusta Co.  She was born Jan. 8, 1882 in VA and died on Jul. 18, 1915.  She and John had three children:  Bessie, Rudolph Wilson and Ivey, a daughter.  Some years after Willie's death, John married (c1922) Nancy Melissa Berry.  Melissa was born Oct. 3, 1882 and died Sep. 4, 1946.  John, Willie and Melissa are buried at Calvary.

James Leonard, born Nov. 11, 1879, died Jul. 14, 1941, married Bertie May Shue on Dec. 24, 1900 in Augusta Co.  She was born May 10, 1880 to John W. and Elizabeth S. Alvis Shue and died Feb. 19. 1956.  Their children were: (1) Paul H., born c1902; (2) James Austin, born May 17, 1906, died Aug 3, 1976 in Culpeper Co.  He married Jean Gladys Marlowe c1928.  She was born in VA on Jun. 17, 1906 and died Nov. 28, 1955 in Culpeper Co. (3) Allen, born c1908; (4) Ethel Ray, born 1916, married James Ray Strawn on Jun. 30, 1938 in Augusta Co.; (5) Richard Lee, born Mar 31, 1919 in Mint Spring, Augusta Co., died Jan. 14, 1978 in Staunton.  Richard married Nora Lee O'Dell in 1946, Augusta Co.  She was born Aug. 8, 1924 in Fayette Co., KY and died on Sep. 29, 1978 in Augusta Co.  James and Bertie are buried at Calvary.

Bessie Brown, born Jan. 1, 1882.  No other information.

Annie B., born Sep. 20, 1887, died Oct. 9, 1961.  Annie married a Mr. Elliot.  Her grave is also at Calvary.

Rev. Harry Scott Coffey, D.D., born Dec. 6, 1889 at Stuarts Draft, died there on Jun. 8, 1964.  He married Julia Durham c1915.  She was born Dec. 26, 1895 in GA and died at Stuarts Draft on Apr. 28, 1968.  They too are at Calvary.  Their children were Betty R., born c1918; Harry, Jr., born c1924, married Jean Shirley Williams; and John H., born c1929.  For several years (1916-1920) Harry, Sr. was the pastor at Fairfield Methodist Church in Rockbridge Co., VA.

The following was found in The Atlanta Constitution of Apr. 16, 1916:

Durham-Coffey

Mrs. Yula Reese Durham announces the engagement of her daughter, Julia, to Rev. Harry Scott Coffey, of Virginia, the marriage to take place the latter part of May.  No cards.  The marriage will be of cordial interest to a wide circle of friends.  Miss Durham is the granddaughter of the late Judge Augustus Reese of Madison, GA., and a niece of the late Judge Seaborn Reese, of Sparta.  Mr. Coffey is of a distinguished Virginia family.

Russell E., born Mar, 13, 1891, died Aug. 12, 1975 in Mercer Co., WV.  Russell married Ada C., daughter of David Lee and Minnie L. Holtz.  She was born Jul. 12, 1892 in VA and died in Mercer Co. on Aug. 8, 1959.  They are buried at Maple Park Cemetery at Bluefield.  Their children were Helen, born c1911; Russell Lee, born c1916; and Marjorie Elizabeth, born Oct. 5, 1923, died Mar. 27, 2006 at Roanoke, VA.

Her obituary:

Obituary, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV, Mar. 30, 2006

Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey

ROANOKE, Va. — Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey, 82, formerly of 3009 Bluefield Ave., Bluefield, died Monday, March 27, 2006 in a Roanoke nursing home.

Born Oct. 5, 1923 in Bluefield, she was a daughter of the late Russell E. and Ada C. Holtz Coffey. Miss Coffey was a member of the St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Bluefield, Va. and a graduate of Bluefield College. She was formerly employed at Bluefield Optical as an office manager.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Russell Lee Coffey, and sister: Helen Bone.

Survivors include a niece; Nancy Arwood of Kentucky and several cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2006 from the Maple Park Cemetery located in Bluefield with the Rev. Russ Hatfield officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations if desired, may be made to the Mercer County Humane Society, 1003 Shelter Rd., Princeton, WV 24740.

Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com

Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory of Bluefield is serving the Marjorie Coffey family.

Mary Sue, born Dec., 1892.  No further information.

Ruby Lee, born Jun. 23, 1895, died Jul. 6, 1991 at Staunton.  She married Robert Hamilton Black, born VA c1894, died Mar. 16, 1951.  Their children were Inez, born c1916 and Sherwood, born c1926.

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*Virginia marriage records give marriage year as 1874.  Additionally, in the 1900 census Peter and Bettie reported a marriage of 26 years, indicating too that their marriage year was 1874.

Corrections/additions welcomed!

Peter Virgil (Squire) Coffey

Peter Virgil (Squire) Coffey was a son of Charles B. and Theodora Everette Coffey. In most census records, Theodora's given name is unreadable, but seems to confirm that it was Theodora. However, it was given as Ophelia in Squire's obituary.

Squire was born on Jun. 15, 1849 in Nelson Co., VA and died on May 21, 1937 in Stuarts Draft, Augusta Co., VA. He married Betty Catherine Kennedy on Dec. 24, 1879 in Augusta Co. They lived in that county all of their married life, and raised all of their children there.

His obituary:

STUARTS DRAFT, May 28-, -- Peter V. Coffey, peacefully passed to his heavenly home, at his residence at Stuarts Draft at one a. m. Friday, May 21, 1937, after an illness of about a month. He was born in Nelson county June 15, 1849, of Scottish descent, his father having been Charles Coffey and his mother Ophelia Coffey (nee Everet). He moved to Augusta county when a young man and spent the rest of his long and useful life in, and in the vicinity of Stuarts Draft where he engaged in farming, lumbering, etc. For the last twenty years of his life he was justice of the peace and was known as "Squire Coffey."

Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Bettie Catherine Kennedy, of Augusta county, Dec. 24, 1879. To this marriage were born four daughters and five sons. His wife, who passed away June 17, 1930, and a son and two daughters preceded him in death. Children survive: J. E. and J. L., of Mint Spring; the Rev. H. S., pastor of Granbery Memorial M. E. church, South, Covington; Mrs. M. E. Elliott, Staunton; Russel E., Bluefield, W. Va., and Mrs. Roy Black, Stuarts Draft, who tenderly cared for him after the death of Mrs. Coffey.

Mr. Coffey united with the Baptist church in early life, but many years ago transferred his membership to the M. E. church, South, in which he was an efficient and faithful member and held an official relation for many years, having been a delegate frequently to the annual and district conferences and was a member of the board of stewards of Calvary church at the time of his death. He was interested in the work of his adopted church until his death, often inquiring about the progress of the work through his pastor and others. He spoke of death as one who was preparing for a pleasant journey. Death did not hold any terrors to him. He had implicit faith in God for the forgiveness of sin through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He loved his church and the ministry of his church; always was ready to speak a good word about the former pastors of his church. He dearly loved his children and was held in the highest esteem and devotion by his children and his grandchildren, of which he had a number. Mr. Coffey had been a prominent figure in his community for many years, in his church, in business, in clean politics, and in everything that was for the betterment of humanity.

His funeral service was conducted from Calvary church Sunday, May 23, at three p. m. by his pastor, the Rev. A. Van Devander, as-sisted by Dr. E. L. Woolf, pastor of the Harrisonburg M. E. church, South; the Rev. H. W. Craver, pastor of Greenville M. E. church, South, and the Rev. T. H. Campbell, pastor of Stuarts Draft Baptist church. His body was tenderly laid at rest in the cemetery adjoining Calvary church. It is said by some that his funeral was attended by the largest concourse of people that ever assembled at Calvary church. Less than half of the people could get in the church.

At his own request the stewards of Calvary church were the active pallbearers: J. T. Almarode, Alden D. Rader, A. G. Painter, C. L. Dodge, I. F. Fitzgerald, H. L. Henkel, W. Y. Boyd, E. M. Conner, and Layton Thacker.

The following hymns were sung: "The Solid Rock," "Home of the Soul," as a solo and "How Firm a Foundation." His pastor chose as his theme, "God's Harvest Home;" text, "Thou shalt come to thy grave in full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season," Job 5:26.

Their children were:

Charles Franklin Coffey, born Jan., 1876

John Emmett Coffey, born May 9, 1877, died Nov. 5, 1942.

His obituary:

Obituary, a Staunton newspaper, Nov., 1942

John Emmett Coffey, sixty-five, died at eleven o’clock Thursday morning following a three hours illness. Mr. Coffey had gone to his work at the State highway camp near Greenville and suffered a stroke shortly after arriving. He was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. C. Yowell, where he died. Mr. Coffey was born in Augusta county May 9, 1877 and was the son of Peter V. and Betty Kennedy Coffey. He spent his entire life in the county, and for thirteen years was connected with the County Highway department, after which he went with the State Highway department. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Melissa Coffey; two daughter, Miss Inez Elizabeth Coffey, of Stuarts Draft; Mrs. W. C. Yowell, of Greenville; one son, Rudolph W. Coffey at home; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. M. E. Elliott, of Staunton, Mrs. R. H. Black, of Stuarts Draft; two brothers, Russell E. Coffey, of Bluefield, W. Va., and the Rev. Dr. Harry S. Coffey, of Danville, Va.

Funeral Saturday.

The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at three o’clock from the Mint Spring Methodist church of which he was a member, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Z. V. Johnson. Burial will be in Calvary church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be W. P. Jennings, L. A. Campbell, Roy Glenn, P. G. Nuchols, Wallace Rosen, Charles Tyree, William Chandler, Walter Carrier, Ernest Coiner, and W. H. Agnor. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Swisher, Roy Kesterson, Lewis Arehart, Mr. Proffitt, William Ramsey, W. L. Helmick, Wallace Hayes, Herman Coyner, W. H. Roadcap, Bedford Curry, A. Miller, Stuart Benson, Frank Glenn, Dr. W. C. Roller, E. J. Eavers and Mr. Cummings.

James Leonard, born Nov. 11, 1879, Augusta Co., died Jul. 14, 1941, Mint Spring, Augusta Co. He married Bertie May Shue on Dec. 24, 1900 in Augusta Co. Bertie was born in May, 1881 to John W. and Elizabeth S. Alvis Shue.

His obituary:

Obituary, a Staunton newspaper, Jul., 1941

JAMES L. COFFEY DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

James Leonard Coffey died Monday afternoon at five o'clock at his home in Mint Spring after being ill since Saturday night.

He was born at Stuarts Draft, on Nov. 11, 1879, and was a son of the late P. V. Coffey and Mrs. Betty Catherine Coffey. He has made his home at Mint Spring for many years where he was an active merchant and farmer. He was a man of sterling character and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, taking an active part in all community affairs and lending a helping hand to anyone who wished his advice or help in any way.

He has been a member of Mint Springs Methodist church for thirty five years. During his active membership he served in many capacities, including steward, superintendent of the Sunday school for many years, and a teacher of Ladies' Bible class.

He is survived by wife, Mrs. Bertie May Coffey, three daughters; Mrs. B. H. Hudson of Orange, Mrs. H. S. Strawn of Gary, Ind., and Mrs. J. Ray Strawn of Birmingham, Ala.; three sons: Paul H. Coffey of Roanoke, James A. Coffey of Palmyra, and Richmond Lee Coffey of Mint Spring; two sisters; Mrs. M. E. Elliott of Staunton, and Mrs. Roy Black of Stuarts Draft; three brothers, J. Emmett Coffey of Mint Spring, Dr. H. S. Coffey of Roanoke, and R. E. Coffey of Bluefield, W. Va. Three grandchildren also survive.

The funeral will be held Wed-nesday afternoon at two o'clock from Mint Spring Methodist church. The Rev. Z. V. Johnson, pastor, will officiate.

Place of internment will be announced later.

Bessie Brown Coffey, born Jan. 1, 1882

Harry Scott Coffey, born Dec. 6, 1889

Annie Bell Coffey, born c1890

Mary Sue Coffey, born Dec., 1892

Russell E. Coffey, born c1894. He married Ada C. Holtz c1908 in Virginia. Their children were Helen L., born c1911; Russell Lee, born c1916, and Marjorie Elizabeth, born Oct. 5, 1923, died Mar. 27, 2006.

Marjorie's obituary:

Obituary, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV, Mar. 30, 2006

Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey

ROANOKE, Va. — Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey, 82, formerly of 3009 Bluefield Ave., Bluefield, died Monday, March 27, 2006 in a Roanoke nursing home.

Born Oct. 5, 1923 in Bluefield, she was a daughter of the late Russell E. and Ada C. Holtz Coffey. Miss Coffey was a member of the St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Bluefield, Va. and a graduate of Bluefield College. She was formerly employed at Bluefield Optical as an office manager.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Russell Lee Coffey, and sister: Helen Bone.

Survivors include a niece; Nancy Arwood of Kentucky and several cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2006 from the Maple Park Cemetery located in Bluefield with the Rev. Russ Hatfield officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations if desired, may be made to the Mercer County Humane Society, 1003 Shelter Rd., Princeton, WV 24740.

Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com

Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory of Bluefield is serving the Marjorie Coffey family.

Ruby Lee Coffey, born Jun. 23, 1895, died Jul. 6, 1991. She married Roy Hamilton Black, born c1894 in VA, died c1916 in VA. Their children were Inez, born c1916, and Sherwood, born c1926.

Ruby's obituary:

Obituary, The Staunton News Leader, 8 Jul 1991.

Mrs. Ruby Lee (Coffey) Black 96, widow of Roy Hamilton Black, and formerly of Churchville Ave., died at 10:20 p.m. Saturday (July 6, 1991) in the Liberty House Nursing Home, Waynesboro after a three month illness. She was born on June 21, 1895, in Augusta County, a daughter of the late Peter V. and Betty (Kennedy) Coffey. Mrs. Black was retired from the Leggett Department Stores with 17 years service. She was the oldest active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Stuarts Draft, and was a member of the Staunton Senior Citizens. Mrs. Black's husband preceded her in death on March 16,1951. Survivors include a son, H. Sherwood Black, of Stuarts Draft; a daughter, Ms. Margaret A. Black, of Staunton; 5 grandchildren; 8 great- grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Black was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Calvary United Methodist Church by the Rev. Dr. Roy O. Creech and Rev. Kenneth B. Frank. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Bruce Frank, Dr. J.W. Forbes III, Walton Henkel, Jack Crummett, Ralph Weaver and Jack Clem. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Clark, Doug Hanger, Eddie Eavers, Earl Fitzgerald, John Wood, Bob Puffenbarger, B.G. Fitzgerald Jr., Elliott Boyd, Billy Dameron, Dr. Dennis Hatter and Don Crosier. The family will receive friends this evening from 7 until 8 p.m. in the Henry Funeral Home and other times at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Linda Harris, 55 George St., Staunton or the home of H. Sherwood Black, Rt. 1, Stuarts Draft. It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial donations to Calvary United Methodist Church P.O. Box 95, Stuarts Draft, Va. 24477.

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