Born on Oct. 15, 1940, in Rockbridge County, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Wendell and Virginia Coffey. While her life journey took her far from her Virginia home place, it never left her heart, and she will be laid to rest with her family in Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista.

Betty married Matthew Jablonka in 1964, raised two children in Rochester, N.Y., and went to college in her mid-30s to pursue a degree in nursing. She had a passion for healthcare and served as an RN in several Rochester hospitals and as a director of nursing for a skilled nursing facility. She moved to Tennessee in 1991 and grew to love her new community.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Edward Carlyle Coffey and Lewis Dean Coffey and her son-in-law Todd Nisbet.

She is survived by her daughter Anita Nisbet of Columbia, Tenn.; her son Brian Jablonka of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and six grandchildren, Virginia Nisbet, Harry Nisbet, Ian Jablonka, Robert Jablonka, Emma Nisbet and Joe Jablonka. Betty was very fond of her nieces, nephews and cousins and had special bonds with Kathy Stenson, Wanda Coffey and Gail Tucker.

Betty was a much-loved resident at Life Care Center of Columbia where she forged friendships with many staff members who will miss her gentle presence and sweet smile. Her legacy of kindness, generosity and faith will live on in her children, grandchildren and the lives she touched. Above all, she was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend who was deeply loved by all who knew her.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Harrison Funeral Chapel with Lewis Coffey officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will include Harry Nisbet, Ian, Robert and Joe Jablonka.

Her family would also like to give special thanks to Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tenn.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

NG