Avis Welch Coker

Avis Welch Coker, 98, wife of the late Marion W. Coker, died Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at her residence.

Mrs. Coker was born on September 18, 1920 in Turbeville, SC, daughter of the late McSwain Welch and Annie Turbeville Welch.  She was a member of Church of God Worldwide Association and a 1938 graduate of Turbeville High School, where she was Valedictorian. In 1975, Mrs. Coker received her undergraduate degree at University of South Carolina at the age of 55, in 1977 she received her Master's Degree from Francis Marion College at the age of 57.   She taught at Olanta Elementary School and after retirement, she taught at The Carolina Academy. 

Surviving are her children, Cynthia C. (Wilson) Westbury of Maggie Valley, NC, Constance C. (Waymon) Durden of Hilton Head, SC, Rhonda C. (Ray) Beard of Barrineau and Wyndel W. Coker of Lake City; grandchildren, Joe (Paige) Westbury, III, Kim W. (Mike) Henderson, Rhett (Michelle) Beard, Webb Durden, Rachelle (Mark) Barrineau and Marnee Durden; great grandchildren, Joseph Westbury, IV, Chelsea Westbury, Caroline (Jordan) Gunnells, Ritch Westbury, Morgan (Wes) McCutcheon, Kaitlyn (Reed) Coker, Dawson Beard, Jacob Barrineau, Jude Barrineau and Ian Barrineau; great-great grandchild, Anniston Gunnells; sister, Marlee W. Baird of New Zion; special nieces, Carol Miles and Karen Barnhill; and a nephew, James Young.

Mrs. Coker was preceded in death by a son, Donnie Ray Coker; brothers, Ivan, James, Paul and Doyle Welch; and a sister, Earlene Joyce.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, January 11, 2019, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Lake City Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Friday, January 11, 2019 at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Agape Hospice and staff, especially Janet Cooper, Tracy Owens, Julie Lee and Cindy Locklear, for their love and compassion to Mrs. Coker and her family.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 1516 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501.

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