Loray Burrell Coffey

Loray Burrell Coffey, 92, of Ooltewah, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of Silverdale North Ooltewah Baptist Church. 

Loray was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Max Coffey; parents, William Carl and Mamie Burrell; daughter, Lori Maxine Coffey; five brothers, Melvin Burrell, J.L Burrell, Coil Burrell, Boyce Burrell, and Gerald Burrell; two sisters, Loma Burrell and Annel (Anna) Sliger; and her grandson, Brett Joseph Williams.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Ed and Jan Coffey of Ooltewah and daughter and son-in-law Vickie and Billy Williams of Cleveland; two grandchildren, Adam Coffey of Chattanooga, and Joanna Coffey and husband Patrick Borunda of Bainbridge Island, WA; two great grandchildren, Maya and Aine Coffey; and one sister, Inez Crook.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Loray also leaves behind dear friends, too numerous to name, in the body of Christ.  While some friends served the Lord through singing or teaching, Loray dedicated herself to the ministry of helps:  unselfishly and joyfully cooking and baking for benevolent and church functions, assisting in VBS, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, etc.  In most recent months, when she was basically shut-in and less able to cook and visit, she painstakingly penned encouraging notes and made calls to other shut-ins. Her compassion and thoughtfulness brought comfort to many.

In addition to her delight in the Lord and her family and friends, Loray enjoyed being active.  When she and Max were not camping or traveling, she loved playing softball, water-skiing, fishing, hunting pheasants, gardening, bike-riding, bowling, and playing cards.  Always competitive but equally congenial, Loray was a true sport.

Loray is best remembered for her dedication to and faith in the Lord; her sensitive, loyal and loving heart; her spunk and sense of humor; her clean house and home-cooked meals; her luscious coconut cakes and pies; and her efforts to always look her best. Indeed, she was beautiful inside and out, faithfully exhibiting Christ-like gentleness, goodness, and meekness.  “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25).

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2022, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Ricky Vaughn officiating. Her service will be live streamed on the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home Facebook page. Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert Sliger, Jim Burrell, Doug Burrell, Jerry Burrell, Derrick Burrell, Adam Varnell, and Dwight Coffey. A white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Coffey family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.