Robert Lawrence "Bob" Coffey

Relatively speaking, this is a "modern" family.  However, it did take a bit of concentration on my part to finally figure out that he had two wives, each named Lula!

Robert was born in Caldwell Co., NC in 1897 to Jesse Finley and Mary Elizabeth Craig Coffey.  He married Lula Shell on Aug. 30, 1913 in Lenoir, the daughter of Robert and Laura Sigmon Shell. 

Lula Shell Coffey gave birth to three children: 

Laura Mozelle, born Jun. 8, 1914, died of tuberculosis and unmarried on Jul. 22, 1938.  Laura is buried at the Union Church Cemetery in Lenoir.

Second child was Finley Tuttle, born in 1915 and died Dec. 23, 1979 in Lenoir.  He married Jewel Genett Andrews, a daughter of John Finley and Lucy Bean Andrews in Caldwell Co. in 1953.  Jewel was born in 1923 and died Jan. 1, 2006 in Caldwell Co.  She is buried at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir and, I suspect Finley is also buried there.

The last child born to Lula Shell Coffey was Charles Woodrow, born Oct. 26, 1917 and died of tuberculosis on Mar. 10, 1919 in Lenoir.  He and his mother died very close together, perhaps on the same day but, although a death certificate for Charles has been found, none has been found for Lula.

Three years after the death of Lula Shell Coffey, "Bob" Coffey married Lula Lovina Hart, a daughter of Calvin Jones and Amanda Emmaline Wise Hart.  The wedding took place on Mar. 11, 1922 in Caldwell Co.  Lula Lovina Hart was born c1905 and died Apr. 5, 1978 in Caldwell Co.  I do not know where either of them are buried.

Bob and Lula Hart Coffey had at least 10 children, all born in Caldwell Co.:

Frances, born Mar. 3, 1923, died Jun. 21, 2010 in Hickory, Catawba Co., NC.  She married  Foke Lenoir Hartley, born Apr. 2, 1922 in Patterson Twp., Caldwell Co., a son of George Sidney Hartley and Callie Bentley.  Foke died Oct. 19, 1988 in Valdese, Burke Co., NC.  Their children were Doyle Sidney; Mavis Ann; and Thelma Susan, all of which are now deceased.

Mable Ruth, born Jun. 6, 1924, died Oct. 26, 1989 in Lenoir.  She married George James Prestwood, born c1918 in Caldwell Co.  Her obituary reads:

Mabel Ruth Coffey Prestwood, 65, of 310 Reform St. SW, Lenoir, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 1989, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born June 6, 1924, in Caldwell County, a daughter of Robert Lee Coffey of Lenoir and the late Lula Hart Coffey.

She was a homemaker.

In addition to her father, Mrs. Prestwood is survived by her husband, George James Prestwood of Charlotte; three sons, Gordon James Prestwood and Ralph Edward Prestwood, both of Lenoir, and David Lee Prestwood of San Diego, Calif.; three daughters, Georgia Ann Harris of Aiken, S.C., Shirley Jean Hitt of Statesville and Mary Jane Lebuff of Homa [sic], La.; two brothers, Lawrence Coffey of Waynesville, Mo., and Daniel Coffey of Wilmington; five sisters, Frances Hartley, Sarah Stone and Florence Prestwood, all of Lenoir, Mrs. Clyde (Alice) Smith of Morganton, and Mrs. Paul (Grace) Spears of Phoenix, Ariz.; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James O., born 1926, died 1926

Lemuel Hart, born Jun. 13, 1927, died Jun. 26, 1976.  Lem married Dorthy Mae McMillan on Jun. 30, 1949 in Caldwell Co.  She was born May 16, 1931 in Caldwell Co. to John Franklin and Amelia Ann Bishop McMillan.  Dorothy died Sep. 17, 2001 in Lenoir.  His obituary reads:

Obituary, Lenoir News-Topic, Monday, June 28, 1976

Lemuel Hart Coffey, 49, 210 Clearfield Drive, died Saturday evening in a Veteran's Administration hospital after an extended illness.

He was born June 13, 1927 in Caldwell County, son of Robert Lawrence and Lula Hart Coffey of Lenoir.

Coffey was employed at Kincaid Furniture Co.

Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his widow, Mrs. Dorthy Mae McMillian Coffey of the home; four sons, Terry Robert Coffey, Paul Gregory Coffey, Scott Bradley Coffey, all of Lenoir, and Jerry Franklin Coffey of El Paso, Tex.; three brothers, Finley Coffey of Collettsville, Larance Coffey of Missouri, and Dan Coffey of Wilmington; six sisters, Mrs. Alan (Sarah) Stone of North Wilkesboro, Mrs. Forke (Frances) Hartley of Baton, Mrs. Clyde (Alice) Smith of Morganton, Mrs. Paul (Grace) Spears of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. George (Ruth) Prestwood and Mrs. Richard (Florence) Prestwood born of Lenoir.

The funeral was to be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Lakeview Baptist Church by Rev. Michael Barlowe and Rev. Dean Harold.

Burial was to follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home was in charge of Arrangements.

After Lem's death, Dorothy married Reynold Lee "Sarge" Setzer in 1976.  Sarge was born Jun. 29, 1930 in Caldwell Co. to Walter C. and Amanda Walsh Setzer.  He died Feb. 6, 2007 in Caldwell.  His obituary reads:

Obituary, News-Topic, Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, Feb. 8, 2007

Reynold Setzer

Reynold Lee "Sarge" Setzer died Feb. 6, 2007, at Lenoir Health Care after a lengthy period of declining health.

Sarge was born June 29, 1930, in Caldwell County to W.C. and Amanda Walsh Setzer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy McMillan Setzer; and a brother, Forest A. Setzer; and three infant brothers.

Survivors include his step-sons, Terry Coffey and wife Vicki of Lenoir, Jerry Coffey and wife Donna of Gray, Tenn., Scott Coffey and wife Linda of Asheville and Paul Coffey of Concord. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Suzanne Moore, Michael Coffey, Autumn Coffey, Nick Coffey and Yvonne Coffey, and two great grandchildren, Mason and Jessie Moore; a brother, Cecil B. Setzer and wife Mae; a sister-in-law, Bea Setzer; and a niece and nephew.

Sarge was assigned to the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry and completed 25 years of distinguished service, including the Korean Conflict and two tours in the Vietnam Conflict. He was later transferred to the First Armored Division and retired with honors in 1975. Master Sergeant Setzer received several commendations including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, The Army Commendation, The United Nations Medal and The Occupational Medal in Japan.

Sarge was a long-time member of First Advent Christian Church in Lenoir where he was a member of the senior men's Sunday school class. He was a collector of military books and extensive in his knowledge of military history. He attended Lenoir High School.

At his request, there will be no public funeral services. Memorials may be made to the First Advent Christian Church Music Program, P.O. Box 1714, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Dorothy's obituary:

Dorothy Mae McMillan Setzer, 70, of Camelot Court, Lenoir, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born May 16, 1931 in Caldwell County to the late John Franklin McMillan and Amelia Ann Bishop McMillan.  She was also preceded in death by her fi[r]st husband, Lemuel H. Coffey; and three brothers, Bill, Clifton and Paul McMillan.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Advent Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Setzer of Lenoir, four sons, Terry R. Coffey of Lenoir, Jerry F. Coffey of Kannapolis, Paul G. Coffey of Hudson and Scott B. Coffey of Fletcher; one brother, the Rev. Eugene McMillan of Stuart, Va.; and five grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bob and Lula's next child was Lawrence Craig Coffey, born Feb. 18, 1929, died May. 25, 2005 in Crocker, Pulaski Co., MO.  His wife was Maggie Lee "Peggy" Benefield.  No other information.

Following Lawrence was Florence Elizabeth, born 1932.  No further information.

Alice Hart, born 1935, married Clyde William Smith.  No further information.

Their last three children were:  Daniel Luke, born 1937; Grace Levina, born 1940 and Sarah Nell, born 1945.  No further information on them.

Dewey Coffey

Dewey, born Aug. 7, 1868 in Grainger Co., TN was a son of Thomas and Mahala Wise Coffey. He married Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDaniel [probably the daughter of Rachel Meyers McDaniel, 1880 Claiborne Co., TN census] c1896. Elizabeth was born Mar. 23, 1878 in Claiborne Co. and died of tuberculosis in Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY on Jul. 16, 1914.

Their Children were:

Henry U., born c1898 in TN

Della Mae, born c1901, also in TN. Della married John Wesley Bullins c1914 in Rockcastle Co. Their children were: Nancy E., born 1915; Joseph, born c1918; Goldie, born 1920; Virgil T., born 1922; and Nora, born 1925.

Silas F., born c1904 in TN

Etta L., born c1906 in Wayne Co., KY

Addie, born c1908 in KY

In c1917, Dewey married Eunice Ida Gadd, born c1894 in KY. They had a number of children, all born in Kentucky:

U?, a daughter, born c1918

Thomas J., born c1919

Mary, born c1921

Oscar, born c1922

Estil, born c1927. Estil's age in the 1930 census is difficult to read, but he appears to have been the same age as William, meaning they would be twins.

William Bluford, born 1927

James Edward, born 1930.

Dewey died of chronic myocarditis and stroke on Apr. 7, 1946 and was buried at Scaffold Cane in Roundstone, Rockcastle Co.

Please contact me to add to or to correct any of this information.

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Dewey Coffey, death certificate No. 8580 (7 April 1946), Kentucky State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Lexington, Fayette Co., KY.

Lizzie Coffey, death certificate No. 19464(16 July 1914), Kentucky State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Lexington, Fayette Co., KY.

1910 Rockcastle Co., Orlando Pct., ED99, Sheet 5A, family 91 (no dwelling given), Coffey, Dewey, head, male white age 36, married twice, 14 yrs., born TN, parents born TN, labour in stone quarry; Elizabeth, wife, female, white, age 32, married twice, 14 yrs., mother of 5, 5 living, born TN, parents born TN; Henry U., son, male, white, age 12, born TN, parents born TN; Delta M., dau., female, white, age 12, born TN, parents born TN; Silas F., son, male, white, age 6, born TN, parents born TN; Etta L., dau., female, white, age 6, born KY, parents born TN; Hattie B., dau., female, white, age 4, born KY, parents born TN

1920 Rockcastle Co., Conway, ED239, Sheet 10B, dwelling 172, family 176, Coffey, Dewey, head, male, white, age 46, married, born TN, parents born TN, farmer; Ida, wife, female, white, age 26, married, born KY, parents born KY; Addie, dau., female, white, age 11, born KY; U?, dau., female, white, age 2, born KYl Thomas J., son, male, white, age 1 yr., 3 (?) mos., born KY

1930 Garrard Co., Paint Lick, ED10, Sheet 8A, Cartersville Road and Trails, dwelling 168, family 173, Coffey, Dewey, head, male, white, age 56, married at age 21 yrs., born TN, parents born TN, Eunice, wife, female, white, age 37, married at age 24 yrs., born KY, parents born KY; Adie [sic], dau., female, white, age 21, single, born KY; Thomas J., son, male, white, age 11, born KY; Mary, dau., female, white, age 9, born KY; Oscar, son, male, white, age 8, born KY; Estil, son, male, white, age 2 (?) yrs., 11 mos; Bluford, son, male, white, age 2 yrs., 11 mos., born KY; James, son, male, white, age 1 mo., born KY

Not yet found in the 1900 census.

Children of William Brownloe and Mary Young Coffey

A couple of days ago I wrote about this family. William was a son of John C. & Martha White Coffey of which I wrote about earlier today. Mary "Mollie" was the daughter of George and Sarah "Sallie" Lee Young.

Today I decided to add a little more info about the children:

Walter Chandler, born c1920 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., died Aug., 28, 2001 in Johnson City, Washington Co., TN.

His obituary:

Chandler Coffey, 82, 700 Milligan Highway, Johnson City, died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 28, 2001, at Johnson City Medical Center.

Mr. Coffey was a native of Grainger County, Tenn. He was of the Protestant faith and was a retired worker from the Dawn of Hope Workshop.

Survivors include a sister, Bonnie Coffey, Greeneville, and a niece, Vickie Smith, Greeneville.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, (423) 543-4917, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our Web site at www.Funeral-Plans.com/Tetrick

COFFEY -- Graveside services for Chandler Coffey, 82, 700 Milligan Highway, Johnson City, who died Tuesday, August 28, 2001, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, August 31, at Coffey Ridge Cemetery, Unicoi, with the Rev. Ross Lindley officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Correll and David Morrison. Everyone will meet at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. Friday for the graveside service. Friends may call from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 30, at Tetrick Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to ARC of Washington County, 2700 S. Roan Street, Suite 300 B, Johnson City, Tenn. 37601, Attn: Lorie Copas. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Cecil G., born c1922, died young.  No other information.

John Henry, born c1924 in Morristown, Hamblen Co., TN, died Mar.  1, 2008 in Grainger Co.

His obituary:

John H. Coffey, age 84, of Bean Station,Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2008. He was a member of Yellow Springs Baptist Church. He was a good husband and father and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mollie Coffey; brothers, Kyle and Chandler; and sisters, Viola (Rick) (Ralph) Hatfield and Martha Sloan.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susie Howerton Coffey; sons, Danny Coffey and Earl (Charlotte) Coffey; brother, Rhisteen of Morristown; sisters, Vioma McKinney of Indiana, and Fern Manning of Ohio; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Westside Chapel Funeral Home, Morristown,Tennessee with the Rev. Vance Dennis Johnson, the Rev. Bill Johnson, and the Rev. Ray Seal officiating. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, at First Independent Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the services at the funeral home. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown, Tennessee.

Addie Viola "Rick" Coffey Hatfield, born Mar 25, 1925, died Jun. 2, 1989.

Her obituary:

Addie Viola (Coffey) Hatfield, 64 of 7923 Shartz Road, Franklin, died June 2 at her home. She was a native of Thornhill, Tennessee. Born in 1925 to William and Molly (Young) Coffey. Survivors include two daughters, Lisa Hatfield, Springboro, and Sharon Seabald, Dayton; two brothers, Chandler, Knoxville, TN; John, Bean Station, TN; three sisters: Cecil, Knoxville, TN; Vioma (Oma) (Floyd) Mckinney, Marion,Indiana and Martha Sloan, Bellefontaine, Ohio; one half-sister, Fern McQueary, Franklin; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son Dale Hatfield in 1970 and her husband, Ralph in April 1988.

Services were June 5 at the Eaton-Anderson Funeral Home, Franklin with the Rev. Delbert Dawes officiating. Burial was in Woodhill Cemetery, Franklin, Warren County, Ohio.

 Martha Vioma "Oma" Coffey, born c1927.  No other info.

Martha Jean "Marty" Coffey Sloan, Jul. 27, 1929, Harlan Co., KY, died Dec. 5, 1989 in Bellfonatine, Logan Co., OH.

Her obituary:

Martha J. Sloan,1177 Erie St.was born on July 27th,1929 to Bill Coffey and Mollie Young Coffey in Harlan County, Kentucky.

Mrs.Sloan died Tuesday, Dec. 5th,1989 in Bellefontaine,Ohio,at age 60.

She married John M. "Hank" Sloan on June 11, 1966 in Bellefontaine,Ohio.

Funeral services will be conducted at Eichholtz Funeral Home Friday at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Keith McNeill will officiate and burial will be at the Rushsylvania Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Mrs. Sloan was a former employee of Westinghouse Corporation in Bellefontaine. She was a member of the BPOElks 132 and the auxiliaries of F.O.E. 2166 and Frank Castle Post 1066, VFW.

She was the sister of Walter Chandler Coffey, Cecil G.Coffey, John Henry (Susie) Coffey, Viola (Rick) (Ralph) Hatfield ,Vioma (Oma) Coffey (Floyd) McKinney, Fern Young (Bill) McCeary (George) Manning, Mary Francis Young (Ben) Scearce, Paul Bunch and Ruth Bunch.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Dearwester of DeGraff and Craig Dearwester of Bellefontaine; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Connie) Cardwell of Marysville and Mrs. Joseph (Valerie) Wise of Bellefontaine; and eight grandchildren.

Thanks to Barbara Rushing of Bradenton, FL for permission to use these.