MARCH 20, 1930 – FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Charlsie Coker peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, after a brief illness. Born March 20, 1930, and a native of Knoxville, TN, she graduated from Karns High School. She attended Barton College in Wilson, NC and Northwestern State University. Married for 63 years to her high school sweetheart, Sam Coker, she lived in Tennessee, North Carolina, Iowa, Natchitoches, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. moving for her husband’s teaching career. She was a devoted homemaker who also had careers as a realtor, nursery school teacher at the First Methodist Church in Natchitoches, and a travel agent which allowed her and Sam to visit 50 states and numerous countries. Always frugal and always adventurous, she led her last travel tour to Ireland at the age of 90 years old. Friends and family described her as determined, friendly, energetic, kind, stubborn, not patient, spunky, and loyal. All this and more describe Charlsie who, despite her petite stature, was a force of nature and not to be ignored.
She always found a way to address a need and get things done. No matter where they lived, Charlsie and Sam opened their home and offered hospitality to family, friends, and students.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Gordon E. “Sam” Coker, her daughter, Nancy Coker Magocs, her mother, Ruby Strumpf, and her sister, Johnnie Burkey. She is survived by her children: Cindy Seghers (Philip), Gordon Coker, Jr. (Gabrielle Boudreau), David Coker (Brenda), and son-in-law Steve Magocs. Charlsie’s legacy includes seven grandchildren: Katherine Seghers, Claire Coker, Sam Coker, Lajos Magocs, DJ Coker, Brandi Chasteen, and Brittany Williams; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, LA, 533 2nd St. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Kristen Paul. Following the service, a private interment will be held at the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Charlsie’s honor to the Trinity Episcopal Nursery School program https://trinitynatchla.org/ or Hospice of Baton Rouge https://www.hospicebr.org/ or your favorite nonprofit organization.
