Elsie Louise (Jackson) Coger

Funeral Service for Mrs. Elsie Jackson Coger, 82, of Decatur, Alabama will be 12:30PM Saturday at 1st Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur with Rev. Dylan Woodall officiating. Inhumation will follow in Decatur City Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00PM until 5:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home. 

Elsie Jackson Coger, affectionately known as Bae Bae, was born March 29, 1941 in Decatur, AL to the late William Frank Jackson, Sr, and the late Mattie Pearl Birdsong Jackson.  On August 27, 2023 at her home in Decatur, she finished her race to gain her eternal reward.  

Trusting and believing in God, Elsie accepted Christ at an early age.  She often spoke of her fond childhood memories, which included her baptism at First Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member.

Elsie graduated from Lakeside High School in 1958.  During her high school years, she met the love of her life Lewis Turner Coger.  He preceded her in death.  To this union two children were born: Terrance Lamon Coger and Yolanda Annette Coger.

After high school, she continued her education at Albright College, and Calhoun Community College.  After finishing her education, she worked for Decatur Plastics, and Sexton Can Company, and Decatur City Head Start as a teacher, and later became an area coordinator. She retired from Decatur City Schools Head Start for 27 years of service.    

She had a gift of sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, quilting, cooking, traveling, watching her grandboys in sporting events.  and spending time with her family. Elsie also loved working in her flower beds, and seating on her porch.  

Else had a gift for helping others and often made personal sacrifices to ensure that the needs of others were taken care of.  She was small in frame and statue but had a big caring heart of GOLD.  She never met a stranger and was known for being very frank and to the point.  Her advice was always confidential and full of wisdom (Titus 2:3-5).  

56 years of marriage to her childhood sweetheart.  A role that she was faithful and devoted to.  For better or for worse, in sickness and in health she was the epitome of a loving wife.  She was a doting, nurturing, protective and loving mother who did not spare the rod!  She was an advocate for family traditions and unity.  “A family that prays together stays together.” She was often called ‘Ma” by her children, grannie by her grands, and other one grandma.  To her family members she provided love, guidance, support, and fervent prayers.  

Elsie received numerous accolades and promotions that acknowledged her work ethics, professional skills, and character.  She was a selfless leader and professional that cared for co-workers, and employees like family.  

Elsie was also  preceded in death by her siblings, three brothers , two sisters and by her loving grandson, Aubrey Bethea.

She leaves to cherish her love and memory: her two children,Terrance Lamon Coger and Yolanda Annette Coger and a host of other relatives and friends.

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