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Iris Coker Rudman Smith

Arrangements for Mrs. Iris Coker Rudman Smith will be visitation held Friday, April 9, 2021, at 10:00am til service time at 11:00am, all at Riverwood Family. Interment will be a private family service.

 

Iris Coker Rudman Smith, age 83, departed this life for her eternal home on April 5, 2021.

Iris was one of 7 children to former Brookhaven Chief of Police William Clyde Coker, Sr.,

and Inez Furr Coker, both lifelong residents of Brookhaven. Iris lived most of her life in Brookhaven,

a community she loved and was proud to call home.

She married Jerry Thomas Rudman of Chicago, Illinois in 1958. Iris was a graduate of Brookhaven High School

and studied Bookkeeping and Accounting at Co-Lin Jr. College. She assisted Jerry throughout his career as a CPA by

handling financial matters and bookkeeping for clients. Iris and Jerry raised 5 children as they shared their lives for 43 years until Jerry’s passing in 2002.

Iris encouraged her children to work hard at whatever they pursued, which she modeled for them in her daily life of caring for 5 children

while managing her work responsibilities outside the home. She also instilled in her children a sense of patriotism, respect and loyalty to community,

family and friends. Some of her children’s fondest memories include their mother’s support for their extracurricular activities such as Boy Scouts

as she served as a Cub Scout Den Leader. During the summer months, you could regularly find Iris watching her children play baseball at the ballfields

at Keystone Park while volunteering in the concession stand. While her children attended school at St. Francis Catholic School, Iris could be found v

olunteering there at the Annual Shrimp Suppers. She and Jerry planned yearly family trips to Biloxi and later the beaches of Florida which created long-lasting memories for her family.

Because of Iris’ oldest child, Judy’s special needs, Iris became a staunch advocate for all community children suffering from a disability, and rallied state legislators to provide enrichment resources that are still in place over 50 years later.

As her children began their own adult lives, Iris pursued her dream of a career in public service, and was elected to serve as Brookhaven’s City Clerk

for 20 years until her retirement. While City Clerk, Iris greeted everyone with her infectious smile and gracious disposition. She was proud to represent

Brookhaven to the various Mississippi state agencies with which her office worked. The friendships she made and the respect she earned during her career brought her joy and satisfaction throughout her life.

Iris married Allen (Cotton) Smith, Jr., and they established their church home at Macedonia Baptist Church. With Allen, Iris ensured their home was welcoming to all.

She continued to travel to visit and spend time with her children and grandchildren, while also participating in church outings with her church friends.

Iris is proceeded in death by her husband Jerry T. Rudman, son Jerry E. Rudman, her parents William Clyde and Inez Coker, brother Clyde (Sonny) Coker, Jr.,

and her sisters Kaye Coker, Anne Harris Keyes, Margie Lea and Doris Lea.

Family members left to cherish her memory include her husband Allen Smith, Jr., sons Jonathan Rudman (Britta), Joel Rudman (Sophie),

daughters Judy Rudman and Suzanne Brooks (Cecil), sister Carolyn Wilson (Wayne), 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Iris’ greatest joy and blessings were her grandchildren. Her legacy includes the loving and Christian home she provided for her family and her tireless support

and encouragement for those with special needs. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her honor to Special Olympics Area 2 (Lincoln County), P. O. Box 128, Magee, MS 39111.

9 comments

  • Comment Link Christopher Rudman Saturday, 18 December 2021 19:49 posted by Christopher Rudman

    It's been a while. I have fond memories of going up to Brookhaven and sleeping on the couch. I remember waking up and you would have gotten a box full of doughnuts, and in the afternoon some boiled (or as I heard it with your thick accent, balled) shrimp.

    I think about you a lot, and I still cry now that you're gone,
    I love you and I think about you all the time
    , your grandson, christopher

    Report
  • Comment Link Cathy Norton Friday, 07 May 2021 09:32 posted by Cathy Norton

    One of the truly sweetest people I’ve ever known. Will be missed so much! A loving sister to my precious daddy.

    Report
  • Comment Link Sue george Friday, 09 April 2021 23:21 posted by Sue george

    See you later my sweet aunt and dear friend

    Report
  • Comment Link Megan Rudmam Friday, 09 April 2021 14:35 posted by Megan Rudmam

    You’re in a better place, but will always be missed. Rest In Peace

    Report
  • Comment Link Dr Mrs David Davies and Family Friday, 09 April 2021 09:58 posted by Dr Mrs David Davies and Family

    You will be sadly missed by our Family in Wales and the USA You were a Fabulous Mother in Law to our Daughter Sophie xx RIP Iris

    Report
  • Comment Link Mel  Jan Luter Friday, 09 April 2021 09:31 posted by Mel Jan Luter

    You were a great neighbor that will be missed!! May you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus!! Praying for comfort and peace for the family!!

    Report
  • Comment Link Melinda Thursday, 08 April 2021 19:05 posted by Melinda

    Aunt Iris, we will miss you!
    One special person!

    Report
  • Comment Link Tommy and Lucy Goodson Wednesday, 07 April 2021 17:40 posted by Tommy and Lucy Goodson

    Praying for all of you! I loved Iris so much. Her laugh was the best. She truly was a wonderful wife and Mom.

    Report
  • Comment Link Phyllis Hobbs Wednesday, 07 April 2021 10:09 posted by Phyllis Hobbs

    May she Rest In Peace?✝️?✝️

    Report

Leave a comment

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