Shirley Joyce Coker

Shirley Hillhouse Coker was born in Acworth, Georgia, on May 23, 1935, to Glenn William Hillhouse and Myrtle Zoella Haygood Hillhouse. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel in Marietta, Georgia. Burial will follow at Powder Springs Christian Fellowship Cemetery in Powder Springs, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clarence Hillhouse; her sisters, Viola, Lena, Jean, Sarah, Ella, and Annette; and her beloved husband, James Ralph Coker.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Shelly; her children, Bill Coker, Myra Coker, Mark Coker and his wife, Susan Ash Coker, and Jeffrey Coker and his wife, Sarah Spears Coker; her granddaughters, Harper Lee Crawford and Jackie Crawford; her grandsons, James Coker and John Coker; and her great-grandsons, Julian Rhetts and Evan Rhetts.

Shirley made her home in Powder Springs, Georgia, where she raised her four children and built a life filled with love and laughter. She retired from Cobb County Public Schools, where she served as a dietitian at Compton Elementary School.

She loved traveling with her children and shopping with her sister-in-law, Martha Rakestraw, as well as with many dear friends. Always ready for adventure, she kept her purse by the door and her heart open to new experiences. Shirley cherished her family and stayed closely connected with them.

A lover of nature, she adored the colors of fall but treasured springtime most of all. She faithfully fed her birds and took joy in watching them each day. Known for her excellent cooking, she delighted in preparing big Sunday meals for her family.

Shirley enjoyed attending church and listening to gospel music. She and Ralph loved watching The Gaithers together and sharing breakfasts at Linda's in Rockmart. She was deeply proud of her grandchildren and loved keeping up with family and friends on Facebook.

She will be remembered for her famous biscuits, her quick wit, and her wicked sense of humor. She loved to laugh, to tell a good story, and to share her faith. Her Bible is filled with underlined verses that guided her life.

Shirley lived a long, healthy, and happy life and passed away peacefully in her sleep. She leaves behind a loving family, countless fond memories, and hundreds of "Shirleyisms" If you know, you know. She will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, Georgia.