Phyllis Jean Walters Coffey, aged 91, passed peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on March 7, 2024, after bravely battling cancer. Born in Ironton, Ohio, Phyllis also lived in West Virginia and Pennsylvania before settling in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in 1975. She leaves behind a legacy of service and love, having dedicated over a decade to the Sarasota Police Department, where she played an integral role in officer training and certification.
Phyllis took immense pride in her association with the Sarasota police and firefighters, considering her colleagues there as an extension of her own family. Additionally, while known in Sarasota as "Jean Stilley" during a previous marriage, she served in the Ladies Oriental Shrine, then with distinction as the Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1985 and 1986.
Beyond her professional and civic endeavors, Phyllis was a remarkable wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a cherished and welcoming friend, known for her artistic talents in sketching, photography, and oil painting. Phyllis found joy in playing the piano and organ, and had a passion for poetry, with one of her works being accepted by the Library of Congress. Throughout her life, she found solace and companionship in her beloved pets, exemplifying her deep love for animals.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted and adoring husband, Richard Coffey, aged 88, of Ellenton, FL; her loving son, Bruce (Jennifer) Graham of Winter Garden, FL; and dear sons and daughters by marriage, Hans (Elyse) Coffey, Bryan (Lisa) Coffey, Kent Coffey, Chris (Shana) Coffey, Colleen Coffey, all of Dayton, OH, plus fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, each a special joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Edna Walters; her uncle and aunt who raised her, Ulysses and Goldie Walters; her son by marriage, Richard Coffey Jr., and her dear brother Ronald (Donna) Walters of Dayton, Ohio.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.
A Visitation will be held 9 AM on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, followed by a Service at 10 AM. Phyllis will be buried at Sarasota National Cemetery at 1 PM. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
FUNERAL HOME
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton
604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Mar. 20, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel)
