Mildred Ray Whitmer Coffman departed this life on July 17, 2015, surrounded by her children, extended family and care providers.

Born August 7, 1921, she was a lifelong resident of Clifton Forge, Virginia, and was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard Ray and Mary Edna Broughman Whitmer, her beloved husband, Melvin D. Coffman Sr., brother, George E. Whitmer and sister, Nellie W. Knick, and two nephews.

Mildred is survived by sons, Terry W, Coffman (Rev. Donna B) of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Melvin Daniel Coffman Jr, of Milboro, VA; daughters, Karen C. Sgarrella-Tharp (John) of Purcellville, VA; Cindy C. Perry (Glenn) of Clifton Forge, VA, and Rev. Donna C. Sams (Patrick) of Fincastle, VA. In addition, she is survived by grandchildren, Shawn M. Coffman (Pam), Heather C. Daniels (Chris), W. Gary Sgarrella, Joseph E. Sgarrella (Rebecca), M. Keenan Entsminger (Carrie), Kara C. Caldwell (Brandon), Matthew D. Sams (fiancˇ-Laura Markowski), Joseph D. Coffman and Calvin W. Coffman, as well as 11 precious great-grand children.

She is also survived by brother, Cecil S. (Bruce) Whitmer and sister, Dreama W. Crutchfield, along with numerous nieces, nephews and many, many special friends and care providers.

Mildred began a life of service and devotion to her church and community at a young age. She was a life-long member of Clifton Forge Baptist Church, where she was a trustee and served on many committees.

She had the distinction of being a Charter member of both the Founder's Ladies Auxiliary to the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, and the WAVAVRS, and was a life member of the AVAVRS.

Serving as the Chairperson of the first organizational meeting of the WAVAVRS, held in Roanoke, VA in September 1951, Mildred participated in establishing the very first Ladies Auxiliary in the state of VA and the nation. Mildred served in many capacities and held most offices on the local level and several on the state level since 1948. She was one of only two members of their local organization to receive the AVAVRS Outstanding Service Award.

She was active in local Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, and other civic organizations which include Meals on Wheels, the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, the Boy Scouts of America, Safehome Systems, American Red Cross, and VFW Auxiliary. Mildred was a faithful volunteer for Mountain Regional Hospice for many years.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Va. with Pastor Bill Gilliland, Reverend John Godfrey, Reverend Donna Sams and Reverend Donna Coffman officiating.

Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations to either Mountain Regional Hospice Volunteers, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, Va. 24422; Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 419, Clifton Forge, Va. 24422; Clifton Forge Baptist Church, P. O. 121, Clifton Forge, Va. 24422 or the charity of your choice.