Florence Elizabeth Coger

On May 2, 2017, Florence Elizabeth "Lizz" Smith Coger died in Fayetteville, Ark., on the 74th anniversary of her marriage of James F. "Jimmy" Coger. She was born April 9, 1925 in Hindsville, Ark., to Ola Paul and Florence Jean Bandeen Smith. Lizz was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, James M. "Butch" Coger and her special friend, Joe Slaven. Survivors include: her daughter, Paulette Coger, brothers, Bill Smith and his wife, Camelia and A.T. Smith, her bonus daughter, Starla Casford, grandson, David Cannady and his wife Ann and great-granddaughter, Ericka Cannady. Among numerous nephews, nieces and cousins are Jan and her husband, Jim Vawter, Nancy Eslick, Jim Bill Smith, Whitney Smith, Richard Coger, Kay Coger and his wife, Betty, Jerry Smith, Janet Coger, Andrea Grubbs and Bill Bunch and his wife, Kim. Lizz attended Draughton's Business College in Springfield, Mo., and The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. She and Jimmy (who was 4F) worked at the Douglas Aircraft Plant in Tulsa, Okla., to contribute to the World War II effort. After the war was won, they returned to Huntsville, Ark., where they owned Coger's Rexall Drug Store and started their family. After Jimmy's death, Lizz moved the family to Fayetteville, Ark., where she was in charge of academic records at the Registrar's office at the University of Arkansas. An excellent bridge player, Lizz also enjoyed gardening, her spotless home, keeping up with and discussing current events, interacting with family and friends and of course, cheering for the Razorbacks. Friend, mentor and counselor to family and friends, Lizz was always available to listen and to do "whatever it took" to help during times of joy and sorrow and everything in between. Burial and a party were private. For those wishing to honor her memory, the family suggests donations to the Hindsville Cemetery which was founded by her Smith ancestors and is 200 yards from her birthplace, in care of A.T. Smith, P.O. Box 102, Hindsville, Ark. 72738-0102.