Zona Pauletta Coker

July 9, 1944 - January 26, 2025

Zona Pauletta Coker, age 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday evening, January 26, 2025. Born on July 9, 1944, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to Gertrude and Oliver Gray, as a child Zona also lived in Louisa, Kentucky, which she referred to as her favorite place she had ever lived. She moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, with her family at the age of eight. She graduated from Willow Run High School in 1962, after which she married and had two children. Zona spent the rest of her life in Ypsilanti.

Zona was known for her love of time spent with family and friends, where her warm and caring nature was evident. She also had a deep love for Elvis Presley's music, which brought her immense joy. Additionally, Zona loved cooking and was always eager to try new recipes and provide home cooking for her family including granddogs. Kyla, Molly and Tucker. She especially enjoying the cooking videos of Brenda Gantt.

Zona is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Bruce) Harris of Garden City; her son, Brian Coker of Ypsilanti; her cherished granddaughters, Bethany Harris, Kaitlyn Harris, and Gabrielle Coker; one aunt, Ann Anderson of Garden City, MI; and several cousins spread across Michigan and Kentucky. She is also survived by her best friend of over 60 years, Sue McCormick, her half-siblings, Karolyn Gray, Debbie Frechette, Jerry Gray, and Judy Iano Gray. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude Broy, her father, Oliver Gray, her stepfather, William Broy, and her half-brother, David Gray.

A woman of warmth, grace, and kindness, Zona left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her life was one filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of family and friends.

Visitation for Zona will be held at Stark Funeral Home in Ypsilanti on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2-8 pm. A memorial service will follow on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 1 pm, with burial services at Highland Cemetery in Ypsilanti. After the burial, friends and family are invited to a fellowship dinner to celebrate her life at the Church of Christ on Ridge Road in Ypsilanti.