Jeni Lee Coffelt's Obituary
The Honorable Jeni L. Coffelt, 76, departed this life on July 17, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of hospice.
Born on January 5, 1950, in Milford, Delaware, Jeni was the daughter of the late Phillip and Maxine Green. She was a proud graduate of Millsboro High School, Class of 1968, and remained closely connected with her classmates throughout her life, considering them family.
On October 5, 1968, Jeni married her high school sweetheart, Darrell L. Coffelt, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than 25 years. She began her professional career at NCR in Millsboro in 1968, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. When Darrell was stationed in San Diego while serving in the United States Navy, Jeni worked for Hydro Products, a company that manufactured underwater cameras. During that time, she had the unique opportunity to meet famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Following Darrell's military service, the couple returned to Millsboro, where Jeni continued her career in the legal profession. She worked as a legal secretary for several attorneys before joining Haller and Hudson, where she spent 16 years under the mentorship of Karl Haller. After taking a sabbatical to pursue a lifelong dream of owning Candlelight Bridal and Formal in Millsboro, Jeni returned to what she considered her true calling. She joined the Delaware Public Defender's Office as a staff secretary before being appointed as a Delaware Magistrate in 1994 by Governor Tom Carper, with the encouragement and guidance of mentors Thelma Monroe and Harriet Smith. She faithfully and compassionately served the citizens of Delaware in that role for 26 years.
After losing Darrell to cancer in 1994 at the young age of 44, Jeni dedicated much of her life to supporting the fight against cancer. She became deeply involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, where her love of cooking helped raise countless dollars for cancer research. She also generously volunteered for 14 years at the Frankford Presbyterian Nearly New Thrift Shop, giving back to the community she loved.
Jeni will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering dedication to public service, generous spirit, and the genuine friendships she cultivated throughout her life. Whether serving on the bench, volunteering in her community, or preparing a meal to benefit a worthy cause, she touched the lives of countless people with grace, compassion, and integrity.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Jeni was preceded in death by her biological father, Sam Timmons; her brother, John Phillip Green, Jr. (Phyllis); and her brother-in-law, William Dean Coffelt (Randy Russell).
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Amy Workman (Scott); her son, Doug Coffelt (Jennifer Taylor); her granddaughters, Jordan Coffelt Randolph (Addam) and Olivia Workman Maske (Jacob); her great-grandsons, Brayden and Colt Rimmer of North Carolina; her half-sister, Connie Rogers (George); her half-brother, Ronald Timmons (Brad); along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, former colleagues, and members of the community whose lives she positively impacted.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Millsboro Fire Hall, 109 E. State Street, Millsboro, Delaware 19966.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice in Jeni's memory.
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