Virginia Irene Coker

Virginia Irene Coker, age 77, of Republic Mis- souri, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at the Republic Nursing and Rehab.Virginia was born on April 29, 1949, in Red Oak Iowa to Darwin and Selma Vanderhoof. She grew up in Marionville Missouri and graduated from Marionville High School before attending Draughon’s Business College in Springfield Missouri. Virginia worked first as a homemaker and then held various positions over her lifetime in various manufacturing settings and nursing homes. Virginia was known for her tireless work ethic and her servant’s heart.Virginia married Robert Coker on August 30, 1969, in Marionville Missouri. Together they raised a family until Robert’s failing health required Virginia to work as a homemaker and caregiver, but also as a factory worker to sup- port her family’s needs.Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grand- mother and friend.

Virginia’s hobbies were modest and she en- joyed cooking for her family, watching old West- ern movies and television shows and completing puzzle pictures and solving word puzzles as well.Virginia was active within her church fam- ily at the Mount Vernon church of Christ for a number of years. She loved to assist with classes involving the younger children and supporting outreach ministry work. She sewed innumer- able bags for children and teens in foster care, and clothing items for orphans in Zambia. She always had a heart for the underprivileged and looked for ways to give of her humble means to help them. People will remember Virginia for her kind- ness, willingness to serve others’ needs at the expense of her own, and her determination and stubbornness, especially in light of the many physical challenges that she was presented with. Virginia was preceded in death by her father and mother, Darwin and Selma Vanderhoof, husband Robert Coker, and her sister, Mary (Vanderhoof) Jackson.

Virginia is survived by Her loving sons, Ster- ling Coker and his wife Holly, Marionville Mis- souri and Jeremy Coker and his wife Jessica, Marionville Missouri. Three grandchildren whom she was immensely proud of, Ryder Coker, Marionville Missouri, Dalton Coker and his wife Jacey, Mount Vernon Missouri and Jeslyn Coker, Marionville Missouri, and her pride and joy, one great-granddaughter, Avery Coker, Mount Vernon, Missouri. Her loving sister, Brenda Devore and her husband Walter Devore, Jef- ferson City Missouri, and many caring friends, loved ones and wonderful staff at the Republic Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held on May 23rd, 2026, at 10 am at the Mt. Vernon church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Marionville cem- etery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zambia Mission Fund or the Fair Haven Children’s Home. The family wishes to thank the wonderful, caring staff at the Republic Nursing and Re- hab as well as the kind and caring team from Preferred Hospice, for their compassion and care. Though missed, her family rejoices in the memories she created and the faith she carried throughout her life.