On Thursday, April 28, 2016, beloved wife and mother, Debra Grey Coffey, went to the arms of her Messiah, Jesus.  She was born January 2, 1951. She was preceded in death by a son, Nathaniel, a daughter, Amelia, her brother, Milton Branham Jr., and her parents, Betty and Hawthorne Branham. 

She is survived by the immediate family, her husband of 39 years, Michael; her oldest daughter and son-in-law, Hannah Coffey and Dr. Bryan Lewis; her youngest daughter, Elizabeth W. Coffey as well as her sister, Sarah L. Branham. Surviving extended family members also include numerous cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Virginia. 

A native of Charlottesville, Debra graduated from Lane High School in 1969 and with high honors from the University of Mary Washington in 1973. She devoted herself to her home and her children, as well as the funding of numerous Christian charities. She was active in supporting home schooling and constitutional conservatives in many state and national political efforts. A nearly 20-year resident of Buckingham County, she was well known as a source of love, comfort, encouragement and sound counsel  on subjects ranging from unruly children to perplexing gardening and botanical questions. She will be sorely missed by very many. 

A memorial service for family and friends is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7 at Mount Tabor Baptist Church, 4898 Bridgeport Road, Arvonia, VA  23004.  Interment in the church cemetery will immediately follow the memorial service. 

The family asks that charitable contributions be considered for the following:  Advancing Native Missions, P.O. Box 5303, Charlottesville, VA  22905; Dayspring International, PO Box 3309, Virginia Beach, VA  23454 or Home School Legal Defense Assn., PO Box 3000, Purcellville, VA  20134.

Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, is in charge of arrangements. www.dunkumfuneralhome.com