Mrs. Lessie Hightower Coggins, age 92, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Friday morning, December 12, 2025, at Dalton Square Assisted Living Facility.

Lessie was born August 7, 1933, in Ranger, Georgia, a daughter of the late Martin Alonzo and Mary Jane Pack Hightower. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of seventy-four years, Curtis Banks Coggins, who passed away July 13, 2025; an infant son, Wayne Coggins; brother, Jim Tom Hightower; sisters, Inez Smith and Bessie Childers; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George Thomas and Sussie Marena White Coggins.

Lessie devoted her life to caring for others. She kept children for a living and lovingly helped raise many as if they were her own. Known for her boundless generosity, Lessie would truly "give you the shirt off her back" if she believed you were in need. She was especially compassionate toward her neighbors, always watching over them and caring for them as family. One remarkable example of her selfless heart was when a neighbor passed away with no surviving family—Lessie and her husband Curtis personally paid for her funeral, ensuring she was laid to rest with dignity.

A true Christian woman, Lessie lived her faith daily, loving her neighbors as herself and serving others quietly and faithfully. She was a loyal and devoted member of Whitfield Baptist Church, where her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a true friend to many and will be remembered for her kindness, humility, and unwavering love.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Kayanne Coggins of Resaca, Georgia; granddaughter, Mindy Evans and Alex Evans; great-grandchildren, Charlie Evans, Bodhi Evans, and Andie Evans; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Alfred Sutton of Dalton, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Lucille Hightower and Sandra Tatum of Ranger, Georgia, Wanda Johnson of Calhoun, Georgia, and Mary Lois and Marvin Long of Lumberton, Texas; special friend and neighbor, Anita "Cricket" Dockery of Dalton, Georgia; local attorney, Robert McCurdy, whom she helped raise; nephew, David Sutton; and niece, Crystal Sutton.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Lessie Hightower Coggins will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with her pastor, Reverend Wayne Cofield, and Reverend Bobby Thomas officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at West Hill Cemetery, with Greg Tilley, Matthew Baker, Eddie Dedmon, Alex Evans, Colter Wheat, and Randy Wheat honored to serve as pallbearers.

Click here to view Lessie Hightower Coggins Celebration of life

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel Monday from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour.

Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel,
138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721
706-226-4002 • www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org