Barbara Coger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Barbara Jean Jefferson Coger was born on May 13, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born to the late Miles and Pearl Stucky Jefferson. She was baptized at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained active until she moved her membership to Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in 1974. Barbara was a proud 1958 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. In the same year, she became the first and only Dixie-Homes Cotton Makers Jubilee Queen. Barbara Coger was also the proud mother of five children: Cheryl, Chet, Roni, Tamla, and Sean. Barbara attended LeMoyne-Owen College and began her career as a Certified Nurse Assistant at St. Joseph Hospital in Geriatric Care. She retired from St. Joseph Hospital after thirty years of loyal service. Barbara was a kind soul who loved people, which led her to seek employment with Sam’s Club as a Club Demonstrator for fifteen years. With a smile and her witty personality, she delightfully cooked, served, and engaged all who visited her table. For several years, she was awarded "Employee of the Month and Year" for outstanding sales and performance. Ms. Coger’s hobbies were photography, winning local radio contests, and baking. She loved taking pictures of her family and church members and all who came in her presence. Her home served as a museum full of wonderful memories. Don't be surprised if you see yourself posted on her "walls of love", as she so passionately called it. When it came to baking, Barbara created a recipe for a Betty Crocker Cookbook and was awarded $500 for winning the cooking contest! Her recipe was/is called Lemon Delectable Squares. Betty Crocker sold her Lemon Delectable Square Box cake mix at Walmart Stores throughout the U.S. Barbara gladly prepared and shared her Lemon Delectable Squares at many local events here in Memphis. Barbara was also a humanitarian who cared for and encouraged others. After church, you could oftentimes find her visiting the local nursing homes and hospitals on the weekend. She would decorate patient rooms and entry doors for birthdays and holidays. She aided the nurses in combing the patient’s hair and performing other hygiene needs. She would also be seen passing out her famous peppermint soft chews to all the staff and patients. In the community, she was often referred to as the “Peppermint Lady”. She was a loyal friend and confidante to many of her friends. Ms. Coger was also a volunteer community activist who participated in many local marches in the 60s. She believed in equal wages and fair housing for women and African Americans. She was an active member of the NAACP until her demise. She volunteered at phone banks and local campaign headquarters for former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Congressman Steve Cohen, former Mayor Dr. Willie Herenton, former State Representatives Teddy Withers, Larry Turner, and Johnnie Turner. She was dedicated to a life of servanthood whose work was fulfilled on this earth. She is preceded in death by: three sisters, Ann Watkins, Pearl Dillard, and Johnnie Frye, and two brothers, Theodore Jefferson and Alexander Jefferson. She leaves to cherish and honor her memories: two daughters, Cheryl Jefferson-Odo and Tamla Coger Bonham; three sons, Chet Jefferson, Roni Jefferson, and Sean Coger; eight grandchildren, Dedrick Jefferson, Rodney Jefferson, Francesca Kinsey, Roni A. Jefferson, Ronnie Bonham Jr., Jaliyah Jefferson, John Odo, and Wilfred Odo; ten great-grandchildren, dearest friends since the first grade, Mrs. Jestine Carter, since five years old, Ms. Josie Albright, special longtime friend, Mrs. Johnnie Turner and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Barbara Coger

May 14, 1939 - July 6, 2022