Charlotte Noel Coker

  Charlotte Noel Coker

(Age 87) - Passed away December 13, 2018.

Born to Cecil and Esta Mahaffey in New Orleans, Charlotte's family spent her childhood years in New Orleans, South Carolina and Texas following her father's career as a Hurricane Specialist with the National Weather Service.  After graduating from high school, Charlotte trained as an X-ray technician at Emory University in Atlanta and went to work for the Steiner Cancer Clinic.

In 1950, Charlotte married the love of her life Morris Coker and together they raised their family and relocated them from Atlanta to West Virginia and finally to Spokane.

At a young age, Charlotte discovered her passion for community service, volunteering her time to various local organizations which led to numerous leadership roles and Lifetime Achievement Awards at the state and national level. Charlotte was a longtime activist for women's issues and served two terms as President of the Woman's Club of Spokane as well as their state level organization.

If you knew Charlotte, you knew politics was in her blood. She felt it was the best way to make meaningful changes to policies and laws that affect us all. She loved her work with Spokane's Democratic and State organizations and was humbled by the opportunity to serve as President of the National Federation of Democratic Women. It wasn't long before Washington's Governor noticed her achievements and appointed her as Commissioner to the State Human Rights Commission. During her second term, she was named Chairman. She was also appointed to serve on the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Charlotte was privileged to act in many capacities including a seat on the Democratic National Committee, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and an appointment by the Governor to cast Washington's electoral votes in the 2000 Presidential Election. This work earned her invitations to attend two Presidential Inaugurations and the honor to submit her achievements and memorabilia as Past President of the NFDW to the Library of Congress for a Special Exhibit. 

Charlotte always said she did not work alone. She had many smart, hardworking mentors, colleagues and leaders helping her along the way. Many remained loved and treasured friends.

Although Charlotte had significant achievements in her lifetime, nothing was more important than her love for her children and family. We were all blessed to have this extraordinary woman in our lives as a mother, role model and friend. She did not want to leave her family, but in her final days she assured everyone she would forever watch over us. And, we believe her with all our hearts. 

Charlotte was predeceased by her loving husband Morris Coker in 2005, she is survived by three daughters Patty (Don) Ross, Spokane, Carol Goebel, Olympia, Terry Coker, Spokane and one son, Bob Coker, Spokane, six grandchildren Bonnie Wagner (Katherine), Connie Wagner (Dani),  Joel (Cassie) Quist, Eric Quist, Zachary Coker and Robert Coker, three great grandchildren Emma Quist, Rainey Elder-Wagner and Addyson Wagner and cousin Alice Cangelosi, New Orleans.

Memorial Services presided over by Senior Pastor, Reverend James Watkins, will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11AM at New Hope Baptist Church, 9021 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane Valley.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 9021 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA 99212. 

Please share memories and condolences on her tribute wall at this site. 

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