Thelma Joan Cofer Smith

Thelma Joan Cofer Smith joined her husband, Richard Herndon Smith, Jr., and her Lord and Savior on Monday morning, October 20, 2025, surrounded by her family after a 10 months battle with congestive heart failure.

She had many titles but her favorites were Mama and Nana. She was a precious Godly woman that loved much and was loved much. She was a hard worker, she loved her family and Jesus, and was a great example to many. She was well known for biscuits, jellies, barbecue sauce, and tea cakes.

Joan was born on August 25, 1946, to Noah and Thelma McCannon Cofer. She loved working in the food industry, Fowler Truck Stop, Granny’s Kitchen, and Oglethorpe County School Food Service. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Cofer.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Myra Coley and son-in-law, Walter, of Stephens, GA; brother, Lamar Cofer of Carlton, GA; two very special “sons and daughters”Ken and Lisa Stoudenmire of Gainesville, GA and Byron and Renee Fleeman of Union Point, GA; niece, Christy and Mark Gosnell of Danielsville, GA; and most of all, her pride and joy, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild Danielle and Bill Gaddis, Chance and Shiloh Coley, Reid Coley, Noah Coley, James and Alex Stoudenmire, Alex Stoudenmire, Montana Barner, Carolyn Barner, Kaitlyn and Mason King, Zeke and Alessia Gaddis, Jacey Coley, Wyatt Coley, Finley King, Jordan Stoudenmire, and Hayden Fleeman. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Deannie and Jimmy Wilhite, Doug and Rena Smith, and Linda Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

The family is forever grateful to family hospice and a very special niece, Misty Bailey, for the outstanding care they gave her.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 23, at 11:00a.m. at Burt’s United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the graveside at 10:00a.m. until service time.

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

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Thelma Joan Cofer Smith.