Mrs. Evelyn Matthews Cofer passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017, at her residence in Melrose, Texas, at the age of 94 years, 10 months, and 11 days. She was born December 15, 1922, to parents Elmer L. Matthews and Theo Mangham Matthews.
Mrs. Cofer received a bachelors of science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University graduating with honors and later obtained a masters degree in religious studies from Southwestern Theological Seminary and did post graduate studies at the University of Houston. She retired as a teacher and had served at schools in the Nacogdoches, Broaddus, Houston, and Diboll School Districts. She had also worked for the Texas Employment Commission and as a mutual funds broker.
One of her most proud achievements was managing "Seven Springs Farm," a Melrose farm still continuously operated by her family since 1850. It was on this farm that she was born as well as passed away.
She was an author of prolific poetry and had a great love for reading. Mrs. Cofer was an avid gardener and had a wonderful appreciation for nature.
For many years she was a devoted member of Melrose Baptist Church where she had taught Sunday School. She was also very generous in proudly supporting a number of missions and projects.
Her survivors include her daughters, Connie Calhoun Taylor and husband Bill Taylor of Nacogdoches, and Susan Jones of GTO, Mexico; a son, Bruce G. Cofer of Austin; grandchildren, Miriam Jones of Nacogdoches County, Francisco Jones of Leon, Mexico, John Mark Calhoun of New Orleans, Louisiana, Michelle Calhoun Harris and husband Seth of Houston, and Colin Vaughn and wife Jen of Missouri; great-grandchildren, Ethan Vaughn, Ella Vaughn, Cole Calhoun, Courtney Calhoun, and Dominique Jones; a sister, Barbara Hairgrove of Corpus Christi; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth B. Cofer; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kitty and Royce Brough, Elizabeth and Darwin Nilsson; and a brother-in-law, Basil Hairgrove.
Funeral services are set for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Melrose Baptist Church on Highway 21 East in Melrose with Pastor Bob Whitehead officiating. Interment will follow at Lower Melrose Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
Memorials may be offered to Melrose Baptist Church Building Fund or Melrose Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
3 Entries
November 1, 2017
shirley milstead
I am so sorry for your loss.my thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 30, 2017
Deborah (Debbie) Ben-Nun
I have memories of her from long ago. She was a beautiful lady. I am thinking of you and your family.
xoxo
Deborah (Debbie)
October 29, 2017
Nona Boyd
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to get to know Mrs Cofer when she was at Willowbrook for a short time. We shared a few laughs and a few tears, and I learned from her wisdom.
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