Sister Mary F. Coggins was born in Dora, Alabama on October 12, 1946 to Leon L. and Ellen Elliott. She is the oldest of 7 children (3 brothers and 3 sisters). Finished Corner High School in 1966.

In February 1968, she married Howard Coggins, whom she had known since Elementary School. They have four children; Deborah, Patricia, Andrew & Christopher; 3 granddaughters and 3 grandsons.

Sister Mary has worked for the Federal Government for 29 years and will retire this year. She started Federal Service in Germany, had a few years break, and started back in Honolulu, Hawaii. When Howard was transferred to Fort Jackson in 1981, Mary took leave without pay so she could find employment at Fort Jackson. She has worked for the same Directorate since 1981.

Sister Mary joined the Order of the Eastern Star in November 1984 at Dentsville Chapter #273. She has served as Associate Matron, Conductress, Associate Conductress, Chaplain, Adah, Esther, Martha, Warder, and Worthy Matron twice. She was the first to serve twice as Worthy Matron at Dentsville #273. She has served in Grand Chapter as District Chairman, State Chairman, Grand Page, DGM to Grand Secretary, Grand Representative and Grand Adah for Sister Ferne Launius and Brother Harold D. Munn in 2002-2003. Was elected as Associate Grand Conductress in 2004. She has served on the Advisory Board for Dentsville’s Rainbow Assembly, and received the Grand Cross of Color in 1989.

Sister Mary is a member of New Temple Baptist Church. During her teenage years, she was a member of the choir, and sang many solos and duets for the church service.

Sister Mary has a deep love for the Order, and is honored to serve Grand Chapter as Worthy Grand Matron. Plans are already underway to celebrate the 101st Session, “Faith Lights the Way” in June of 2008 in Columbia, South Carolina, and she hopes to see everyone there.