Shirley Baker Coffey, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at home with her children by her side.
Shirley was the devoted wife of Fred “Buddy” Coffey, with whom she shared more than 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2015.
Her greatest earthly joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Dennis (Erin), Neil (Alena), Darla (Dayne), and Lisa. She also adored her grandchildren: Freddie, David, Kevin (Jennifer), Kurt (Mandy), Jason (Emily), Noah (Tia), Kierra (Kyler), Dylan, Cody (Brielle), and Kyle (Alyssa).
Her great-grandchildren brought her even more joy: Blair, Kayden, Reece, Caiden, Jadyn, Malia, and Ezekiel.
She also leaves behind her loving nieces and nephews in Florida: Jeffrey (Karen), Curt (Kathleen), Nancy (Paul), Melanie (Rob), and Janet, and nephew Mark in Virginia, also best friends, to include Peggy Hudson of Portsmouth, Sandra Jordan Bunce of Georgia, and Ann Osborne of Yorktown, high school friend Mary Lou Worrell of Norfolk, and her dear Tennessee best friends, Peggy Monroe, Jacky Ward and his family, and Sherry and John David Sherrill and their daughters, all of Collinwood, TN, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews in Virginia.
Her daughter, Lisa, became her loving and devoted caretaker for her last 4 years, surrounding her mother with tenderness, patience, comfort, and unwavering love. Lisa, with the help of Dennis and a very special caregiver, Velma, remained beside her mother through this difficult journey, giving of herself so that Shirley could remain surrounded by love and dignity.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19th, at 2:00 p.m. at Asbury Wesleyan Church, 605 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA, followed by a dinner visitation with the family at the church.
Burial will be held at a later date at Albert G. Horton Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, where she will be laid to rest by her husband, Fred Coffey, U.S. Army, Korean War veteran.
Arrangements by Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News.
6 Comments
I miss you so much, Momma.
Shirley was my best friend. When she lived in Collinwood, Tennessee we would go to concerts and eat out with our friend Shirley Hobbs. Shirley was my shoulder. She would always listen and would say I will pray good things will happen for you. Shirley was such an angel. I never ever heard her say an unkind word about anyone. I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit her once a year for the past 4 years. We stayed in touch by phone until she was too weak to talk. I miss her so much. I will miss our talks and her sweetness. I will always love her. I will treasure our memories.
❤️ Mom…We’re gonna walk the flower gardens 🌷🪻🌹🌿 in Heaven with Jesus! Im looking forward to visiting with Yall! and I wanna see those trees! Thank You GOD for all things. May we all be at Peace with the Holy Spirit ! Hallelujah! LoVe YoU Mom ❤️ (from Daughter, Darlia Coffey Branham)
One of my favorite patients. I will truly miss her.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s promise to wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more.- Revelation 21:4 Condolences
Lisa n family,
Im sorry i never met your mom. im sure she was a great and wonderful person. She looked beautiful Lisa n i love the obit pics and all the ones u put on Fb of u and her. You did a great job n family caregiver for her. Im so sorry it is very hard to lose your mom n now she is Rip. Sorry i wasnot there to support u Lisa n meet the rest of her family.