Obituary of Valerie Coker Mitchell

Valerie Coker Mitchell passed away November 20, 2018. Loving wife of Edward M. Mitchell and devoted mother to her children Beth Anderson (Mary Elizabeth) and Mick (Michael John - husband), Mike Mitchell (Michael Edward); Jill June (wife), and Patti Bidlack (Patricia Marie); Timothy John (husband). She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. Valerie exemplified God’s command to love thy neighbor. She always put others before herself. Even in sickness, she would make sure others around her were taken care of, well fed, and comfortable. Going to Glory, she leaves behind five wonderful grandchildren, Shannon Elizabeth Griffin, Eileen Catherine Griffin, Caitlin Marie Anderson, Makayla Lei Mitchell, and Nicole Marie Bidlack. Her favorite time of year was Christmas as she loved to get the perfect gifts for each member of the family. The men in the family always looked forward to the unique gadget gifts she would give, earning her the nickname of Gadget Granny. Her last gifts before her passing were for the beautiful great-grandchildren Cora Elizabeth, Griffin Ronald, and Piper Marie Johnson. Valerie (Valerie Joyce Coker) was born in Chicago, Illinois August 2nd, 1931 and was an alumna of Our Lady Academy, Manteno, Illinois. Daughter of Shirley Catherine Hewett and Haskell Vernon Coker, she had a keen mind, wishing to become a chemist, and used her curiosity of the natural world by developing hobbies of mineralogy, boating, Wisconsin fishing and watching the marine life of Boca Ciega Bay. She was a talented artist and enjoyed golfing with Ed, the love of her life and husband of 63 years. Valerie was a fabulous cook and baker and passed down that love to her three children who also enjoy those hobbies. Valerie was an avid supporter of St. Vincent DePaul and Daystar. She worked for Bishop Sheil at the Catholic Youth Organization, Junior Achievement, and volunteered at St. John Chrysostom church and school. Visitation will be held from 5:30-7 PM with Wake service at 6 PM on Friday, November 23 at the David C. Gross Funeral Home, 6366 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 24 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 445 82nd Ave., St. Pete Beach. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memory Gardens. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family.