A Faith That Spans Generations

In 1897, Joyce Ritson was born in Liverpool, England, and grew up there. In 1918, at the age of 21, she met Jesse Coffey, who served in the American Navy, and they were later married.

Unbelievably, just three days after their wedding, Jesse was ordered back to his ship to set sail. This left Joyce to travel by sea to America in the fall of 1919 by herself. You’ll not find Joyce’s life story, or even her name mentioned in history books. In fact, this story and the pictures are the first to be posted online to my knowledge. But for those who knew Joyce Ritson Coffey she was a woman of faith. She loved God and lived her life to please Him.

In 1942, after having already given birth to six girls and four boys, Joyce gave birth to her baby daughter and named her Ammie. As Ammie grew up she dreamed of becoming a career girl; however, all of that changed when she met a young man named Ed Keatts. In November, 1963, Ammie and Ed were married. The following October Ammie gave birth to a daughter, Rhonda. In 1967, to the surprise of everyone, Ammie gave birth to twins, a son, Robert, and a daughter, Robyn. Like her mom Joyce, you’ll not find her story, or even her name in any history book, but all those who know Ammie would testify that she is a woman of faith. She loves God and lives her life to please Him. Joyce Ritson Coffey was my grandmother and her daughter, Ammie Coffey Keatts, is my mom. I am blessed with a godly heritage—a faith that has spanned generations.

We find a similar story in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where he wrote, I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well (2 Tim. 1:5). Timothy acknowledged that Timothy’s faith was real. He also acknowledged that Timothy’s faith was taught to him by his grandmother and mother. Paul challenged Timothy to remember the faith of his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Paul challenged Timothy to remember the sacred writings they had read to him when he was a little boy. Paul also challenged Timothy to remember the power of God’s Word for it is able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15).

On this Mother’s Day I take time to remember the faith of my grandmother, Joyce, and my mother, Ammie. Thank you mom for being a woman of faith and for teaching me many things, but most importantly, for teaching me the Word of God! You have blessed me with a faith that spans generations. Happy Mother’s Day! I love you!