Katherine Lee Cofer (Sparks)

Katherine Lee Cofer, 82, of Baytown, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. She was born on August 1, 1942, in Kilgore, Texas, to Jessie Warren Sparks and Louella Pearl Sparks.

In February 1975, Katherine married the love of her life, Henry Hurshel Cofer. Together, they built a life filled with love and hard work. For many years, she owned and operated Cofer Grocery in Winnsboro, Texas, where she made lasting connections with her community.

In her earlier years, Katherine loved to fish, finding joy and relaxation in the peacefulness of the water. She had a passion for gardening, nurturing beautiful plants and flowers with her green thumb. She was also an incredibly talented crocheter, creating beautiful and intricate pieces. She loved genealogy, keeping records of her family history was a great joy to her. However, the past few years shopping was by far her favorite pastime, and she always enjoyed finding treasures along the way.

Katherine is survived by her son, Dave Rankin Jr.; daughters, Renee Newell, Jeannette Hill, Annette Vickers, Lesia Ramirez, and Sandy Caldwell ; her sister, Nelda Davis; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, all who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Hurshel Cofer; her parents, Jessie Warren Sparks and Louella Pearl Sparks; her sons, Dale Cofer and Travis Cofer; her daughter, Diann James; and her sisters, Judy Barrilleaux and Claudine Sparks Dean.

Katherine's love, kindness, and strength will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.