Mary Aillene Coggins

Mary Aillene Coggins, 75, passed away on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, at her home in Atlanta, GA.

She was born in Atlanta, GA on November 8, 1950, and was raised in Elberton, GA where she graduated from Elbert County High School in 1968. Mary Aillene attended Stratford College in Danville, VA and graduated from the University of Denver in Denver, CO with a B.A. Degree.

She was known for her independent spirit and sense of adventure. Mary Aillene especially cherished times spent at her beloved home in Arizona, often driving cross-country solo to be there, embracing the journey as much as the destination.

Her professional life reflected both dedication and care for others. Mary Aillene spent many years working alongside her colleagues at Teplis Travel Agency in Atlanta, GA, where she was known as a thoughtful team member who took great care in serving clients while supporting her colleagues who became dear friends. Early in her career, she devoted time to education through teaching at The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA, where she valued the importance of childhood learning and brought patience and kindness to her work.

Mary Aillene was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Elberton, GA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, B. Frank Coggins, Jr. and Aillene Minor Coggins; maternal grandparents, Charles V. Minor and Beatrice M. Minor; and paternal grandparents, B. Frank Coggins, Sr. and Lollie K. Coggins.

Surviving are her sisters: Nancy Coggins Seymour of Elberton, GA and Sarah Coggins Williams (Matthew) of Athens, GA; nephews: Franklin Whitworth (Elizabeth), Christopher Whitworth (Jamie), and Graham Williams; great-nieces: Victoria Whitworth, and Charlotte Whitworth; great-nephew, Sidney Whitworth; and aunt, Carole Coggins.

A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. in the Coggins Family Plot at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Elberton, GA, with Rev. John Keeler officiating. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Berry Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Post Office Box 733, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mary Aillene Coggins.