Violet Rae Coley, 81, of Buchanan, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at Patriot Nursing Home in Paris, Tennessee, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on February 5, 1943, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Lee and Vernice Nelson.
Violet was a kind-hearted woman with a zest for life and a deep love for her family. She found joy in taking long walks, perfecting her cooking, and spending serene days fishing. Above all, she cherished the moments spent with her loved ones.
She married James J. Coley, Sr. on September 1, 1961 and he preceded her in death on September 20, 2019; also preceded by her parents, Lee and Vernice Nelson; her sister, Carol Kobus; and her brother, Quincy Nelson.
She is survived by her son, Clay Coley (Tracy); her daughter, Cindy Murphy; her stepson, James J. Coley Jr. (Cyndi); her granddaughters, Brandi Coley, Amanda Wintersteen, and Misty McLain; her grandsons, James A. Coley (Talia) and Sonny McLain; her sisters, Kay Nelson and Iris Fentor; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry on her memory.
Violet’s family and friends will forever remember her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and grace touched all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at McEvoy Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Visitation with the family will start at 12:00 P.M. prior to the celebration of life service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Violet’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association to support research and awareness. Contributions can be made online at www.alz.org or by calling their 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.