Donna Sue (Cardwell) Coker

It is with great joy we celebrate the life of Donna Sue Coker who passed away peacefully on April 15, 2019. Donna Sue (Cardwell) Coker was born on August 1, 1937 in Anna, being the second child of Eva (Colboth) Henderson and Orval Henderson. Donne Sue grew up and attended schools in Anna, Jackson, MS; and Murphysboro. After graduation from Murphysboro Township High School in 1955, she married William Wilson Coker of Murphysboro. Donna Sue continued her studies at University of Illinois, Bennington College, Hartwick College and graduating from New York University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree majoring in music education. She then moved to Queens New York where she began teaching in 1963. After opening Lincoln Center, the Coker’s moved to San Jose, CA where both continued their teaching careers and pursuing advanced degrees. Always improving herself, Donna Sue graduated from San Jose State with a Master of Art’s degree in Education Administration. She had a passion for gardening; producing vegetables for her dinners and flowers for the table. She enjoyed community and university fund raising activities for the arts and sciences. Donna was the ever supportive wife and enjoyed hosting and attending the many functions associated with the Lincoln Center, San Jose State, Fresno State Universities, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Donna Sue was a member of Sigma Alpho lota Music fraternity; Faculty Wives Club at Hartwick College, San Jose State College, Fresno State College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; Fresno Opera Board and Nassau Bay Garden Club. Donna Sue was a member of the First Baptist Church of Nassau Bay, TX. It was through this church she met Mansel Ray Coker, whom she married August 28, 2014. They spent the past few years traveling the world, dedicating their time and devotion to their church and simply enjoying life together. Her faith in Christ was evidenced by her love and concern for others throughout her life and belief that all things could be accomplished through Jesus. It is in this knowledge of her deep faith that we are comforted, for she is certainly in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. She is survived by her husband, Mansel Ray Coker of Nassau Bay, TX; a brother, Henry Tommie Cardwell, III and a sister, Audrey Zulema Cheatham, both of Murphysboro; nephews, nieces, and a great number of relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wilson William Coker and Ronald Colville Croston; her mother, Eva Colboth Cardwell and fathers, Orval Henderson and Henry Tommie Cardwell, II; and a brother, William Cardwell. Local arrangements are pending at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.

Donna Sue (Cardwell) Coker

August 1, 1937 - April 15, 2019