A Tribute To Becky Coffey

Never presumptuous, never overbearing, never late, never thoughtless, always caring, always smiling, always encouraging, always helpful, always ready to listen, always doing, always giving, always there. If those adjectives seem a bit flowery or exaggerated to some who read them, it is because they never had the privilege of knowing Becky.

The Lord graciously called Becky home early Saturday morning (December 16), after a long, painful endurance of cancer. I am only one of many who loved her and was blessed of God to have her for a friend. I write this tribute as I prepare to attend her funeral service. It will be, I am sure, a time of blessed worship for God’s elect, as Becky would want it. Christ will be preached, exalted, and extolled. I look forward to the service. Becky’s last opportunity for public worship on this earth was December 3. But I am certain that, though no mortal can communicate with her, when we meet tonight around the throne of God, our friend will be fully aware of what we are doing and smiling down upon us. She is now in that “great cloud of witnesses,” who by the example of their own faithfulness encourage us to continue on steadfast unto the end, “Looking unto Jesus,.” Were she here, she would be embarrassed by the eulogies that shall be given to her tonight, and by this brief tribute. But Becky would be most joyful to read it about anyone else and anxious to share it with others. That is the kind of woman she was.

I will leave it to others to eulogize her as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, or even an intimate friend. Her husband, children, parents, and more intimate friends have all done so while she lived in this world, and will continue to do so. I can only speak of Becky as a friend who was honored to be a guest in her home a few times a year, sometimes for several days, but usually for only an hour or two. And I observed her in the house of God for many years, every time I visited Thirteenth Street Baptist Church.

Becky Coffey was always there. She loved the people of God, the preaching of the gospel, and the worship of Christ. I never knew her to call attention to herself in anyway. Yet, every time something needed to be done, she jumped at the opportunity to serve Christ, his people, and his cause. Her hand was everywhere, but her fingerprints nowhere. She never wanted to be noticed. Many crave attention. Becky craved usefulness. She was always cheerful and cheering. I never spent time in Becky’s company without being benefited by it. I frequently had opportunity to preach to her. She always sat near the front, with her Bible open, soaking up the Word of God like a dry sponge.

Becky Coffey touched the lives of more people than anyone on this earth knows. She touched my life in many ways. I thank God for her. Called home to be with Christ in the midst of her years, she has been saved from much sorrow (Isa. 57:1). She will be missed, but missed with sweet, blessed memories. Becky, you were to me a shining example of faith and faithfulness. Thank you!

Don Fortner