Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Coe, 78, born on Feb. 23, 1938, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, in Oxford.

Beth is survived by her sons James L. Baber of Houston, Texas, and Brendan P. Baber of Kenosha, Wisconsin; her sister Pamelia Anne Coe of Water Valley, and three grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Jordon “Polly” Coe.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Beth attended Central High School (Class of 1954).  She received a B.A. from American University in Washington, DC in 1958, and an E.D. from Memphis State University (1975).  She was a lifelong educator with a specialty in reading.  She taught at various grade levels in a number of locations in the USA, as well as teaching in Turkey in the early 1960’s. In the later years of her career, she served as a Professor and Division Chair in the Department of Education at Rust College in Holly Springs. Dr. Coe believed that great teachers create an atmosphere where children can question, share, and express themselves, which inspired many emerging educators.

Beth’s funeral will be held at Pine Flat Methodist Church (40 CR 422 Oxford,) at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 30, 2017.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to Interfaith Compassion Ministry in Oxford, or a charity of your choice. Beth was a board member and volunteer at ICM.