Elder Rodger Brian Coker

"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." John 16.22

Elder Rodger Brian Coker quietly passed away Friday, January 24, 2020, in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Rodger was born March 26, 1945, in Steubenville, Ohio, to parents Mabel C. Coker and Bill Miree, raised by Mabel and Ulysses S. Coker. At a young age, he moved into the home of his beloved aunt and uncle, Ruth and James Walters, where he attended Grant Elementary and Junior High School in Steubenville, Ohio. Along with his aunt and uncle, Rodger relocated to Wintersville, Ohio and attended school at Wintersville High School, graduating in 1963. While there he was involved in several academic and social clubs but became known for his outstanding athletic ability. Rodger ran track and played on the varsity basketball team as a point guard and forward, dominating the court and lettering all four years. He once scored 45 points in a single game and continues to hold several records at the school.

Upon completing high school, he moved to Washington, DC, returning to his hometown to marry his high school sweetheart, Alice Viola Blackwell. She joined him to live in Washington, DC, where they both worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While residing in Washington DC, the couple welcomed their first child, Brian. Rodger and Alice moved back to Wintersville, after deciding to expand their family. With the birth of their remaining four children, their family was complete.

During the initial years of returning, Rodger was baptized at Zion Temple Church, a member of the Ohio District Council Pentecostal Churches and Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. It was at Zion Temple that Rodger accepted Jesus Christ into his life. He then began his theological studies at a local bible college. Upon his completion, he became a licensed ordained minister. Both Rodger and Alice were active members of Zion Temple Church in ministry, choir, and as Sunday school teachers. Rodger was a leader in the church as well as an elected officer of the Ohio Valley District Young People's Union. Under the guidance of District Elder Floyd Johnson and Elder Roseberry, Rodger developed into a gifted minister and eventually pastored a congregation within the church organization. He also worked 25 years as an operations manager, store manager and executive recruiter for Sears stores located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Known for his reflective conversations, Rodger knew exactly how to individualize and specifically tailor these discussions to meet one's exact needs, whether spiritual or professional. Rodger provided such distinctive counsel that it made one conclude he could always be a source of support and comfort. He had an exceptional way of finding the right words to guide anyone through the most significant decisions or experiences, something he often did for his children, family, friends, church members, and many others. His words of encouragement, celebration, or advice and guidance were always supported with biblical, as well as, historical facts, critical when building a long-lasting spiritual and religious foundation.

As an avid reader, Rodger developed a vast depth of knowledge of various cultures, religious and political issues, and civic concerns, among other topics. Remarkably, he could grasp and dissect information and engage in discourse with anyone for considerable lengths of time. Throughout this interaction, he looked beyond differences and discovered common threads of connection, an accomplishment apparent through his diverse friendships.

Rodger formed unique relationships with each of his children and grandchildren often attending events celebrating their accomplishments and most importantly encouraging them to find their particular purpose in life. He was a proud father and grandfather, providing unconditional love and support, always promoting inner growth and strength and an overall sense of well-being and confidence. We will miss our dear father, brother, uncle, friend, and pastor, but find comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing in eternal peace.

Rodger was preceded in death by his parents Mabel Catherine and Ulysess S. Coker and Bill Miree all of Steubenville, Ohio; brother James William Coker Sr. and sister-in-law Josephine S. Coker, Fort Worth, Texas; brother Jimmy Walker, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and beloved aunt and uncle, Ruth Nixon-Walters and James Walters, Wintersville, Ohio.

Elder Rodger Brian Coker is survived by his loving brother Ron Eugene Coker, Tacoma, Washington; sister Margaret Fisher, Steubenville, Ohio; brother Steve Hubbard, Toronto, Ohio; children Brian A. Coker, Columbus, Ohio; Debra C. Gill, Columbus, Ohio; Rodd T. Coker, Akron, Ohio; Lakisha A. Beane, Columbus, Ohio; and Robin (Kenyon) Massey, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren Tahni Coker-Shaheen, Columbus, Ohio; Nia Gill, Columbus, Ohio; Nathaniel Anthony Jamal Coker, Yuma, Arizona; Ryan Coker, Pensacola, Florida; Noah Coker, Mount Vernon, Ohio; Kenyon Massey II, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Gabrielle Massey, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Caitlyn Coker, Mount Vernon, Ohio; Aniyah Beane, Columbus, Ohio; Kyle Massey, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Patrick Beane Jr., Columbus, Ohio; Nevin Coker, Mount Vernon, Ohio; Preston Beane, Columbus, Ohio; Ava Beane, Columbus, Ohio; Layla Massey, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Kelsey Massey, Reynoldsburg, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family throughout the country.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 1, 2020, from 12 p.m. until the time of service 2 p.m. at Greater Zion Family Worship Center, 500 N. 5th St. in Steubenville. Interment will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Union Cemetery. Arranged by GREGORY-MARTIN FUNERAL HOME.