BIOGRAPHY

Mary Coffey was born in Burgin, Kentucky, USA, on 20 March 1909, to parents Joe Newland Bailey Sr. (1880–1949) and Nancy Elizabeth “Nannie” Morgan (1880–1955). She had at least three brothers: John Morgan “Jack” (1903–1968), Charles Lynn “Charlie” (1905–1971), and Joseph Newland “Joe” (1907–1964).

In her youth, she aspired to become a lawyer and had the academic record to support her ambitions. However, her life took a different path when she married Otis Coffey, an educator from The University of Texas who was passionate about coaching. Otis’s career led them on extraordinary journeys. He went on to coach four Olympic track and field and boxing teams in Pakistan and established 15 commercial colleges. Throughout these endeavors, she accompanied him.

Her faith remained central to her life. She encouraged others to follow Jesus Christ and often advised them with confidence to read the Bible and engage in Bible studies. Even at 110 years old, she was actively involved in two Bible study groups. At the age of 109, she learned about a young Bengali man battling cancer. In a compassionate gesture, she visited him in the hospital to offer her prayers and words of encouragement.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, she attributed it to staying close to the Lord for many years. She was a founding member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church, helping to establish it alongside a small group of others. Recalling those early days, she said, “We canvassed the whole area, knocked on doors, and helped start the church.”

Mary Coffey passed away in Sugar Land, Texas, on 21 February 2020, at the age of 110 years, 338 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* Joe Newland Bailey Sr. – Find A Grave

* Mary Coffey – Find A Grave

* The Mary B. Coffey Memorial Fund – Bridge Trust USA

* “Faith secret to 110-year-old woman’s long life” – Associated Press News, 21 March 2019

GALLERY