Mabel Brittain Tucker Coker passed away peacefully at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 21, 2026, surrounded by her children.
Born on March 3, 1937, Mabel was a native of Meridian, Mississippi, where she was born and raised by her parents, the late James Demetrius Tucker Jr. and Mary Louise Rush Tucker. After graduating from Meridian High School and attending Mississippi State University, Mabel married James "Jimmy" T. Coker Jr. Together, they raised their three children in Meridian.
Mabel pursued a nursing degree at Meridian Junior College in the late 1970’s. During the first year of nursing school, Mabel excelled in her studies and was encouraged by her nursing instructors to become a nursing instructor herself. Unfortunately, for health reasons, she was unable to attend a second year of nursing school. Mabel began working at Psychiatry Associates in Meridian in the 1980’s as office manager for Dr. Reginald White. After several years with Psychiatry Associates, Mabel moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, establishing a life there near her son. In Albuquerque, she worked at a local mental health clinic as an Administrative Secretary. Years later, she worked with the New Mexico Cancer Center helping to coordinate organ transplant services for cancer patients, retiring at the age of 64.
Mabel was a devout Christian whose life was firmly grounded in her faith, great strength, and deep devotion to her family and church. She was admired for her intellect, cooking, sewing skills and her treasured friendships. Mabel was an avid gardener and greatly enjoyed her many roses and begonias. She conquered challenges with determination, living a full, meaningful, and truly unforgettable life.
She is survived by her three beloved children, Patricia Anne Coker, Kathleen L. Coker, and James "Jim" T. Coker, III; and her cherished grandchild, Mary K. Coker.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in Meridian, Mississippi, on September 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by interment at Magnolia Cemetery. Friends may choose to make a donation to the First Christian Church, the Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of their choice in lieu of flowers. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.
Submitted by Robert Barham Family Funeral Home
