Obituary | Service Information | Photo Gallery | Guest Book
Dr. Millicent Rosamond Coker-Vann was born September 29, 1941 in Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa to Frederick Godfrey Coker and Esther Lily Coker (During). She passed away on June 22, 2024 at the age of 82. Millicent grew up in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. She was the second of six children: Godfrey, Mrs. Catherine Thorpe, Frederic, Arthur and Dr. Estelle Eke.
Millicent graduated from Fourah Bay College Freetown, Sierra Leone. She continued her studies in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana, and graduated with a Ph.D. in microbiology. Her over 40-year career as a microbiologist began as a postdoctoral fellow in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She held an appointment as a lecturer at the University of Ife, in Ife Nigeria and later returned to the U.S. as a visiting associate at the NIH in the Laboratory of Central Nervous System Studies where she developed immunoassays to detect antibodies in neurological infections caused by tropical parasites. She later served as the research director at the Arthritis Institute in Arlington, VA under Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown, one time chairman of the George Washington University School of Medicine, where she developed an assay to detect mycoplasma in arthritis patients. She was a founding member of the American Rheumatology Association. Millicent left the Arthritis Institute in Arlington, to become an independent business woman operating two clinical laboratories that focused on arthritis research and clinical antibody testing. Throughout her careers Millicent mentored students and employees and was proud of those she was able to help.
She was an extremely proud alumna of Annie Walsh Memorial School (AWMS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the oldest girls’ school in Sub-Saharan Africa. Millicent entered AWMS in 1951 as the youngest girl in the school. Since there was already another pupil with the same name, she went by Rosamond while at school to avoid confusion. She was one of the charter members of the Washington Chapter of the Annie Walsh Old Girls Association. Throughout her adult life she provided fellowship, mentorship and philanthropic work to support the Annie Walsh Memorial School, including her recent participation in the school’s 175th anniversary ceremony. Her commitment to support the school included opting for a school donation in lieu of personal gifts for one of her wedding anniversaries. For the anniversary of her alma mater, she wanted current students to have souvenirs and gifted imprinted bags and pens to each student. She did this all without fanfare or request for acknowledgement.
It has been said that her “radical generosity is indescribable” with “boundless selflessness” epitomizing the motto of the school “Non Sibi Sed Omnibus” which means “Not for Self but for All.”
While completing her doctorate at Purdue University, she met her husband of fifty years, Willie Frank Vann. They settled in Montgomery County Maryland and raised their three children, Monica Thomas (Ty), Jennifer Timmons (Travis), and Willie, Jr. She was an active member of Goshen United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Millicent was a beautiful, intelligent, amazingly strong, stubborn, generous, and funny woman. She spoke multiple languages including French and Krio. She opened her home to many family members and friends to help give them opportunities for their own success. She believed in the value of education, independence, and in supporting her family and the Sierra Leonean community. She set high but achievable standards and was a role model to many. Millicent loved to sing, and many remember her sharing her voice at various events and memorial services. The ripples of her life and legacy will be felt through her family and friends for generations.
Millicent is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her husband, 2 daughters, a son, 2 grandchildren (Sydney and Olivia); 2 half-sisters, Maryann Williams and Hannah Coker; sisters, brothers, relatives and friends including the Cokers of Hastings, the Durings, the Forsters of Gloucester, the Bright, Harding, and Greene families; Isa Johnston, Imodele Caulker-Burnett, Ibiduni Jones, Iris Hamilton, the AWOGA family as well as a host of others around the country and abroad.
Although we feel she was taken from us much too soon, Matthew 25:23 (NKJV) seems a fitting verse for Millicent: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Celebration Of Life
Watch Online
Recorded Tuesday, July 16, 2024
11:00am – 1:30pm Eastern Time
Millicent’s family invites you to view the live stream of the Viewing, Celebration of Life, and Graveside Interment Service.
Register here:
Jennifer, Travis, Olivia, Sydney,
It is inspiring to read about your beautiful and amazing mother and grandmother. What a wonderful legacy she leaves to all whom she has touched. Marc and I offer our deepest condolences.
The days that the Lord has given you on planet earth Millicent has ended . You are now abiding in your celestial home in the safe arms of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Tell Aunty Lily en Pa Coker are do for me.
Sleep and take your rest Millicent. We love you but Jesus loves you best.
Good night ! Good night ! Sleep and take your rest.
Grand Auntie Millicent had such a wonderful sense of humor, I’m going to miss seeing her during our family events. I send my deepest condolences to her family and everyone who was touched by her generosity, kindness, and support. May she rest in peace.
At the Annie Walsh Memorial, School, she was Rosamond Coker a young school mate of mine whose letter invited me to be a senior friend of hers. That’s how It was then. When a pupil in a junior form admired one in a higher form and wanted to be perhaps mentored by her or just get to know her better, she wrote to that person. That ‘s how OUR bond was formed. Even though we were separated for decades after I graduated, when we met at an Annie Walsh Old Girls Association event in Maryland, the bond was still there. It was always good to know that my school ‘little friend,’ was alive and doing great things in Maryland even though I was a couple States over in the Big Apple. I am saddened about her passing but gratified by the knowledge of who she became and all she accomplished for the Alma.Mater. My condolences to her family and all who mourn her and may God grant her Rest In Peace!
Rest in Perfect Peace dear Cuz
Deepest condolences to Uncle Willy and the children 🙏🏿🙏🏿
My condolences to the entire family. Rosamond, rest in perfect peace. I’ll miss your singing
To Uncle Willie & Coker-Vann Family:
“So you have sorrow now, but you will see your beloved Millicent again when we all get to Heaven one fine day, then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” ~John 16:22~ Until that eventual time, please take heart and comfort in that blessed hope and everlasting promise. “Gɔd de, I de wit una ɔl. Ɔsh O, ɔsh fɔ bɛrin, ya…”🙏🏽💙 Fondly, The Timity Family
Millicent was such a good and pleasant person. Deepest condolences go out to all mourners for our loss. The Lord gives and The Lord takes away. May God dry our tears and console the family, especially the children. Losing a parent is hard and will come to all of us but may you be consoled and find peace during this very difficult time. May we be comforted by the fund memories of Millicent. May Her Blessed Soul Rest In Peace.
A wonderful person. Rest in Peace Millicent.
My deepest condolences to the Coker-Vann family. May her soul rest in peace. Amen!