Gerry Coe Obituary

So sad to discover this news of Gerry's passing. I am a Hunt cousin to Holly and have wonderful memories of Gerry and her brother Joe from many years ago in Florida.

so sad

> Oh Gerry, my friend, fellow artist, fellow past art teacher, classmate. I'm grieved to hear of your death, yet I'm also thankful it was at a ripe old age of 71 ---and was from natural causes. [ *** ] You directly saved lives with your 12-Steps advocacy and rescue-residencies for broken souls right in our home. (I assume some of the cats were rescues too.) Of course you > also enriched the lives of your students and art fans. The scary encaustic paintings with skeletons evoked the awful distress of your youth –and demons swirling so often in adult life. You somehow kept kind and warm. The little sparkle never left your voice --that distinctive accented perky voice like a 12-year-old Dolly Parton (in a good way --so endearing). If there is an afterlife, may it be as you hoped -- and have an eternal art studio.

Love and hugs to you, Artist.

*** Section removed by Legacy.com with consent of writer

Ms. Coe was an awesome teacher! It was always a pleasure to be in her classes. She taught me so much about art and life in general. She will be greatly missed.

Gerry was gifted student and artist and I had the pleasure of working with her at JMU in the MFA program. As an artist, she will live on in her work.

I AM VERY SAD TODAY! A FRIEND HAS LEFT US--THE CLASS OF 1964, CLINTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL. HEAVEN MUST HAVE NEEDED A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL.LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL WHO WILL MISS GERRY........

I was lucky to have been one of Ms. Coe's art students for all four of my years at WHS, and greatly blessed to have known her as a mentor and friend in the years since. Her strength, compassion, and humor will always be an inspiration to me.

So sorry to hear about Ms Coe's passing, she taught me so much about art, myself, and life. She had a way of grabbing your soul and making you appreciate life and the world. I learned more then just art in her class back in 94. My thoughts are with you and your family, she will greatly be missed.

Gerry and I were in band together at Clintwood High School. She was always friendly and a real beauty. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

I am heartbroken to hear of Gerry's passing. Now I know why I haven't been able to get in touch with her for a while. My condolences to you Jarred. She loved you so much. I will miss you Gerry & love you much. May the Angels take you in their wings & guide you home. You will always be in my heart.

She was an amazing teacher and very vibrant character. She will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Coe was an awesome art teacher and friend! She was brave and had that smile to cheer you up when you walked in her class! Art wasn't just art! It was about expressing yourself! Wished we now had teachers like her! God gained another great person! Your going to surely be missed, but will stay in our hearts forever!

Jarred,
I'm out of town the rest of the week and can't come to the memorial. My thoughts are with you.
David McCaskey

Ms Coe,
Thank you for all you did for me and many others!!! You will truly be missed!!! I have always loved you!!!!!

I am saddened to hear of Gerry's passing. She was a genuine soul. One thing for certain, she loved her grandson, Jarred Sarper Kerman, very much. Her love was unconditional. Jarred's avid reading came from Gerry, as she read many of books and series of books to Jarred starting when he was just a toddler. She introduced to him many art forms like calligraphy and origami, to name a few. She was a teacher to Jarred in so many ways! It's no wonder he has become the creative soul that he is. Gerry, aka, Gooey, played a very important role in Jarred's life as he did in hers. He traveled to Staunton every Christmas to be with his grandmother. That was their holiday to spend together. There was even a Thanksgiving a few years ago that I joined Jarred to be with Gerry, and we made a Turkey dinner at her house. That was a very special Thanksgiving! Jarred had spent a lot of time with his grandmother in the last few years as her health was slowing declining. He took on a great feat to make sure Gerry was properly cared for, help clean and organize her house, and take care of her affairs. I know I can speak for Gerry and say that she was so very proud of Jarred for the amazing young man that he became to be. Gerry was truly blessed with such a remarkable grandson and Jarred was blessed with one remarkable grandmother! Their love was and is unconditional!
Gerry, you will truly be missed!

Nina
XOXO

I am honored and greatly privileged to have been your friend and sister. There's only ever going to be one Gerry Coe as they broke the mold. I love you and miss you.

Gerry was a beautiful soul that brought a smile to everyone she encountered at Brookdale. Although I am saddened by her loss, I am comforted with the thought that she is at peace with her loved ones. God bless and keep you on your way, Gerry.

It was such a pleasure caring for Mrs. Gerry Coe. She was always so sweet and polite to me. She had a smile that would brighten up the room! She will definitely be missed by many!!

I will forever remember this special woman with such a beautiful soul. I am so thankful she came into my life at Brookdale. Sue Campbell (med-tech at brookdale)

Jared, so sorry for the loss of your grandmother; she was such a pleasure to talk to and enjoyed the time I had getting to know her....Sherry (front desk at Envoy).