Dorothy Griffin Coe

Dorothy Griffin Coe, 93, of Tallahassee, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017. She was born in 1924 on August 9th, in Valdosta, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late Thomas C. and Eva Spinks Griffin. In 2013, after 70 years of marriage, she lost her husband and the love of her life, Thomas Ridgway Coe. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Thomas C. Griffin, Jr., a sister, Sara Naomi Brem and a great-grandchild, Amira Baggett. Dot graduated from Leon High School in 1942. In high school she served as one of only three majorettes selected to march with the Capital City Band, which later became the Leon High School Marching Redcoats. She married soon after graduation and became a dedicated wife, homemaker, and a wonderful mother. She still found time to pursue other things. She was a fantastic cook. She was a talented seamstress. She worked in the ER of TMH, then later for a group of physicians. She was a loyal FSU fan and supporter. In her younger years, she rarely missed an FSU football game. She was a member of the Florida State Dog Hunters’ Association. She hunted and fished with Ridgway. These experiences created a desire in her to encourage the younger generation to be more aware of the need to preserve and protect our forest lands. So, she published a book for her children and grandchildren called “Experiences of a Naturalist in the Apalachicola National Forest.” And last but certainly not least, she believed in the “Golden Rule” and proved it by generously putting others before herself. She attended the First Baptist Church until her death and was a member of the “Golden Age” group. Dot is survived by three children: Ann Coe Abbott (Buddy), Thomas (Tom) Ridgway Coe, Jr. (Patty), and Ruth Coe Baggett; six grandchildren: Lewis (Bud) Abbott, Jr., and Michele Abbott Norman (Darrell), Matthew (Matt) Coe (Kristen), Michael (Mike) Coe (Heather), Brandon Ridgway Baggett (Jessica), and Nicole (Niki) Baggett; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, William (Bill) Stanley, and many wonderful nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church located at 108 W. College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church Welcome Center. Interment at Oakland Cemetery will be private. Arrangements will be handled by Bevis Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church at the above address, or the Lighthouse Children’s Home, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Dorothy Griffin Coe

August 9, 1924 - August 11, 2017