Yvonne Elena Coker

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we honor the memory of Yvonne Elena Taylor Coker, a remarkable woman whose presence brought warmth, strength, and unwavering faith to all who knew her.  She was, above all, a devoted wife—steadfast in her love, generous in her spirit, and a true partner through every season of life. Her 39 years of marriage to Shawn Coker was built on loyalty, laughter, and quiet acts of kindness that spoke louder than words ever could.  Yvonne was an extraordinary mother. To her two children, Jordan Coker King and Brooks Coker, she gave not only life, but guidance, patience, and a foundation rooted in love. She taught by example—showing what it means to be strong, compassionate, and resilient. Her constant encouragement to her children lifted spirits, her wisdom guided their decisions, and her unwavering love created a home filled with comfort, joy, and belonging.  Yvonne Elena Taylor Coker was born on July 26, 1964, of the late Alvin C. Taylor (father) and Vivian E. Saunders Taylor (mother) in Bimini, Bahamas.  A great student who was always eager to learn, Yvonne attended primary school at Our Lady of St. Stevens in Bimini and later attended high school at St. John’s College in Nassau, Bahamas.  After moving to Houston, Texas to live with her sister, Debby Taylor Meade and Debby’s husband, Barry Meade, Yvonne completed her high school education and graduated from Spring Branch High School in Houston, Texas.  After completing high school, Yvonne moved to Nassau, Bahamas to work for Nassau Cruises as an office worker where she had the privilege of working with her best friend and sister, Terry Taylor. A fierce competitor and high-achiever, Yvonne was crowned Miss Bimini and competed in the 1984 Miss Bahamas pageant and won the prize for third runner-up.  Continuing to chart her own course and strive for excellence, Yvonne obtained an academic scholarship to Elon University located in Elon, North Carolina in 1985. Seeking to pursue a career in media broadcasting, Yvonne first majored in Broadcast Communications. A little-known fact about Yvonne is that she was a disk jockey (DJ) for the Elon University radio station where she hosted an Alternative Rock program. “She sounded quite elegant and sophisticated,” says her husband, Shawn Coker.  Yvonne and Shawn were married in 1986 in Elon, North Carolina. Remaining committed to continuing her college education after they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, Yvonne received her bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting in 1991 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia where she and Shawn lived and worked for several years. Over the course of Yvonne’s career, she worked as an accounting supervisor and controller in the healthcare and software industries. She served as the Controller for Physician’s Specialty Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas and most recently was an accounting supervisor for Ministry Brands in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Most importantly, Yvonne had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued. Whether through a gentle word, a warm smile, or simply her presence, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her kindness extended beyond her family, touching friends, neighbors, and even strangers.  Though her passing leaves an immeasurable space in our hearts, her legacy continues in the lives she shaped and the love she gave so freely. We carry her forward in our memories, our values, and in the quiet moments where we feel her influence still guiding us.  She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Yvonne will be remembered fondly by those she left behind: