Mrs. Billie Coe peacefully passed away the evening of Thursday, September 22, 2005, in the Coronary Care Unit of Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky. Mrs. Coe was the beloved wife of the late Walter Slater Coe, M.D. Dr. Coe was a nationally known cardiologist who in 1948 performed the first heart catheterization in Kentucky and created the first heart catheterization laboratory in Kentucky. Her late husband lovingly described her as "a very pretty girl." He often said he married "not only the prettiest nurse but the best one." They married in 1943 when he was in medical school and she was finishing nursing school. They had 58 wonderful years together.

She is survived by three loving sons: Walter Randolph "Randy" Coe, Bruce Slater Coe, and Grandin Potter Coe; grandchildren Slater, Kelly, Sarah, Michael, Katie and Joey; her older sister, Mary M. Jukes of Indiana; and nieces and nephews.

Billie was born in Clay County, Indiana, in 1922. She was on of nine children born to Joseph B. Mathers and Clora A. Crews. She was a 1943 graduate of the former General Hospital School of Nursing in Louisville, KY, a hospital now known as University Hospital. As a Registered Nurse, she had a distinguished nursing career as a clinical instructor and supervisor with hospitals in Louisville and Ohio.

Billie was loved and admired by people from all walks of life. She was compassionate, generous and friendly with all. Countless young people and refugees from foreign countries came to consider her as one of their own family due to her goodness to them.

She was an active member of Broadway Baptist Church for many years. Friends remember her as having a beautiful alto voice in the choir. She served in numerous leadership roles with youth groups and church activities.

Commitment to making the world a better place for all was further shown in her volunteer work with many charitables causes. She was very active with the American Heart Association of Louisville and Jefferson County, serving as chairperson and on committees for various fundraising activities through the years. She also helped create and serve with volunteer organizations and activities at Baptist Hospital and with the wives of physicians.

Visitation is at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road , Louisville, KY, from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral services are Monday at noon in the chapel of Broadway Baptist Church, 4000 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY. Burial in Cave Hill Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to: Kosair Charities, P.O.Box 37370 Lovisville, KY USA 40233-7370.