Beatrice Mertz Coxey

November 20, 2017

CHARLOTTE - Beatrice Mertz Coxey, 92, of Charlotte, died Monday, November 20, 2017 at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center. She was born July 3, 1925 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, daughter of Gordon John Mertz and Beatrice Helen Parry Mertz.

Bea, affectionately know within her family as “Mema” and “Snooky” is a graduate of Duke University and continued her passion for reading and learning throughout her life. She also never lost her love for Blue Devils’ basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball.

Christ Episcopal Church, her flowers and patio gardens, and people were a constant delight. Her love for her church led to countless hours working in the Good News Shop, serving on the Altar Guild, as well as the wedding committee. Mema loved telling her family of the brides she helped through her time on the wedding committee.

Her love of gardening is a perfect embodiment of how God continued to show his splendor through Bea. She carried herself with great strength and poise and became a matriarch example for her daughters and their families. Always looking to the Lord and His Word for guidance and grace.

Bea’s love for people was exemplified in her work with Kappa Alpha Theta, the Junior League of Charlotte, and her many years of employment at the Tennis and Ski Shop. But when it came to people, her family was served and loved by her above all else. She especially treasured her time with her brother and sister’s family at Coxton Lake and relaying on to her daughters and their families the many beautiful stories from growing up in Pennsylvania.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Coxey was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Reay Coxey; a daughter, Diane Reay Coxey; sons-in-law, Russ Marshall and Gil Murdock; a brother, David Mertz; and a sister, Connie Freeman.

Mrs. Coxey is survived by daughters, Linda C. Murdock of Charlotte and Mary Beth Woodard and her husband, Steve, also of Charlotte; grandsons, Gil Murdock III and his wife, Susan, Robert Murdock and his wife, Kara; great-grandchildren, Stewart Anne and Coe Murdock and Emma, Sanders, Brayden and Gillian Murdock; step-grandson, Mark Woodard and his wife, Jen and their son, Tate; sister-in-law Nancy Mertz and brother-in law, Matt Freeman as well as a number of beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church with the Reverend Lisa Saunders officiating. The family will receive friends in the Blue Room following the service.

Memorials may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or to the Empty Stocking Fund, PO BOX 37269, Charlotte, NC 28237.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Pat Gatlin

    Linda,

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Your mother was very special—beautiful and elegant. My mother died six years ago, and I think of her everyday. It’s amazing how spiritually fulfilling and comforting memories of your lives together will be. May the upcoming holidays bring happiness to all of you.

    Regards,

    Pat Gatlin