Margaret Jane Gardner Cofield

Published 8:04 pm Monday, August 5, 2024

Margaret Jane Gardner Cofield of Windsor, VA was born October 14, 1948 to Allen Duncan Gardner, Sr., and Bertha Mae White Gardner, the first of six children. She was a graduate of Smithfield High School and a member of Whiteheads Grove Baptist Church.

She married her husband John C. Cofield on December 27, 1966 and remained happily married for 55 years. Soon after marriage, Margaret, became a hairstylist and even placed in a state competition. 

She then decided to focus on raising her children: Melissa, John Jr. “Johnny”, Jerry, and Jeff. After losing Johnny in 1990 in a car accident, then Jerry in 1992 in a separate car accident, she became a supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  

She helped raise her grandchildren Heather and Victoria and was their biggest fan and supporter.  

Once the grandchildren were older, she began working as a CNA, sharing her caring nature and abilities with those in greatest need.  

She gained the title of great-grandmother in 2020 with her great-grandsons: Tyr followed by Viren.  

She unexpectedly passed away August 3, 2024.  

She is preceded in death by her father Allen; and sons Johnny and Jerry.  

She is survived by her husband John; mother Bertha Mae; siblings Frances, Linda, Allen Jr., Bobby, and Alvin; children Melissa and Jeff; grandchildren Heather and Victoria; great-grandsons Tyr and Viren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

She was a devoted Christian, mother, Nanna, Great Nanna, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  

The world has lost an angel that heaven has gained.  

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday August 6, 2024 at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield VA. A private graveside service for family only will follow. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.