Betty Jablonka

Betty Coffey Jablonka passed away peacefully in Columbia, Tennessee on September 26, 2025, joining her Lord and Savior. Her two children, Brian and Anita, had the privilege of holding her hands as she entered her heavenly home.

Born on October 15, 1940, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Wendell and Virginia Coffey. While her life journey took her far from her Virginia homeplace, it never left her heart, and she will be laid to rest with her family in Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista.

Betty married Matthew Jablonka in 1964, raised two children in Rochester, NY, and went to college in her mid-thirties to pursue a degree in nursing. She had a passion for healthcare and served as an RN in several Rochester hospitals and as a director of nursing for a skilled nursing facility. She moved to Tennessee in 1991 and grew to love her new community.

She is survived by her daughter Anita Nisbet of Columbia, TN, her son Brian Jablonka of Murfreesboro, TN and six grandchildren: Virginia Nisbet, Harry Nisbet, Ian Jablonka, Robert Jablonka, Emma Nisbet and Joe Jablonka. Betty was very fond of her nieces, nephews and cousins and had special bonds with Kathy Stenson, Wanda Coffey and Gail Tucker. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers Edward Carlyle Coffey and Lewis Dean Coffey and her son-in-law Todd Nisbet.

Betty was a much-loved resident at LifeCare Center of Columbia where she forged friendships with many staff members who will miss her gentle presence and sweet smile.

Her legacy of kindness, generosity and faith will live on in her children, grandchildren and the lives she touched. Above all, she was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend who was deeply loved by all who knew her.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 10-11 a.m. at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington, with a service and graveside burial immediately following. Pallbearers will include Harry Nisbet and Ian, Robert and Joe Jablonka; the service will be officiated by Lewis Coffey. Her family would also like to give special thanks to Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee.