Mary Coffield

Mary “Jean” Baber Coffield, 97, a 14-year resident of the Village at Heritage Point, Morgantown, died Aug. 31, 2017.

She was the daughter of the late Powhatan M. and Elsie Christie Baber, and was born Jan. 28, 1920, in Clarksburg. She was a graduate of the Morgantown High School Class of 1937. Following graduation, she attended the Mason-Union Protestant Hospital School of Nursing in Clarksburg, and received her RN in 1940, being recognized as magna cum laude.

Jean married the love of her life, O. Terrell Coffield of New Martinsville, West Virginia, and they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to finish the last two years of his medical school curriculum. In Louisville, Jean worked as a nurse and following Terrell’s graduation, they both moved around the country, where he provided medical care at 13 different Army posts during World War II.

After the war, they settled in New Martinsville, and established a medical practice. Early on, Jean worked as a nurse in the practice, but as their family grew, she stayed at home to raise four children, and manage the household. She often said that she continued her nursing as she provided frequent medical guidance over the phone, because patients called the doctors’ home during those years. Jean was a loving and dedicated nurse, wife and mother.

The daughter of a Disciples of Christ minister, she was an active member of every church to which she belonged. In particular, the First Christian Church of Morgantown (where she met her husband), First Christian Church of New Martinsville, and the United Church of Christ in Sun City, Arizona. Jean loved music and had a lovely voice and good harmonic ear that she shared while singing in the church choirs. Jean was a hospital volunteer in New Martinsville and Sun City. She loved to needlepoint and made many gifts for her family.

After her husband’s death in 1988, she moved from New Martinsville to Sun City, Arizona, where her four siblings had residences, and they enjoyed each other’s company for many years until their advancing ages prompted them to move nearer their children. Jean moved to the Village in 2003 and remained there throughout her senior years, where she developed many wonderful friendships. She attributed her longevity to exercise and good genes.

She is the last of her generation and was preceded in death by her siblings, Ruth Baber Dilmore Mozley, Helen Baber Young, Powhatan M. Baber and Elizabeth Baber Johnson.

Jean is survived by her children, S. Diane Coffield Kradel (Paul) of Shepherdstown, Dr. Terrell L. Coffield (Pam), and Dr. Brent B. Coffield of Bennington, Vermont, Carol Coffield Rotruck (Scott) of Morgantown; and a very special niece, Rebecca Moore (Tom) of Morgantown. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Adam and Matt Kradel, Rachel Coffield, Jessica Van Eyck, Lauren Malloy, Sarah Glenn, Jill Rotruck, Ethan Rotruck, Mary Hope, and Caroline Coffield; 12 great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The date and time for the Celebration of Her Life has not yet been determined.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following organizations: The Village at Heritage Point, c/o Mon General Hospital Foundation, 1200 J.D. Anderson Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505; or First Christian Church, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV 26501.

Cremation and burial services are provided by Rotruck-Lobb Funeral Home of Kingwood.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at www.rotruck-lobb.com.