Rebecca Coker Thies

Rebecca Coker Thies, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and pioneer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 98. A resident of Summerville, SC, she was born in Turbeville, SC, on Tuesday, March 22, 1927, to loving parents who have since preceded her in death. 

Rebecca was the first woman in South Carolina (and in most states in the Southeast) to graduate with a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, which she received from the University of South Carolina in 1948. However, because the industry was loathe to hire women as engineers at the time, she remained at USC, obtaining an assistantship and a Master’s degree in Chemistry in 1950. Fortunately, with her older brother, Colonel Morgan's, recommendation, she helped alleviate the engineering shortage at Redstone Arsenal in 1950, where she worked as a rocket scientist until 1954, paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Rebecca then chose to dedicate her life to nurturing her family as a devoted homemaker – and to tennis, which she played well into her 90s. She was a graduate of Turbeville High School, valedictorian, editor of the school paper, member of the Beta Club, and a member of the girls' basketball team.

Rebecca is survived by her beloved husband of many years, Charles Elmer Thies of Summerville, SC. Together, they raised a family filled with love, laughter, and enduring values. Her legacy continues through her children: Mark (Evanne) Thies of Clemson, Brian (Wendy) Thies of Lexington, Earl (Susan) Thies of Summerville, Wade Thies of Myrtle Beach, and Carl Thies of Manassas, VA. Her grandchildren, Maggie Thies, Luke Thies, Emma Coronella, Shelby Dix, Aaron Thies, Brandon Thies, Ryan Thies, Jason Thies, Evan Thies, and Corinne Thies, held a special place in her heart, along with her treasured great-grandchildren, Amelia, Charles, Margaret, Adaline, Michael, and Thomas. Rebecca is also survived by her sister, Gertrude Hall, and her brothers, William Luther Coker, Jr., MD, and Steven Coker, MD. She was preceded in death by her parents, W. L. Coker and Maggie Morris Coker, and siblings, Morgan Coker and Mary Ellen Brigman.

 A graveside funeral service will be held in celebration of her remarkable life at the Coker Family Cemetery in Turbeville, SC, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:30 pm with Rev. Mike Lowder officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the church she and her family attended for many years and has held a special place in her heart, Christ Presbyterian Church, 12410 Route 50, Fairfax, VA 22033. 

The arrangements and care for Rebecca have been entrusted to Floyd Funeral Home, 138 E. Main Street, Olanta, SC. For further information, please contact (843) 396-4470 or visit their website at www.floydfuneral.com.

 Rebecca's strength, intelligence, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was an extraordinary woman who left an indelible mark on her family and community, and she will be dearly missed.