Jan Coats

Song

Blessed Assurance

Obituary

Janette Dees Coats went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2023 in Paris, Texas.

She is proceeded in death by both parents, John Hubert and Gladys Dees, both sisters, Wilma Orrell and husband Raymond, and Edwina Edwards, her brother, Jerry Dees, her husband Darrell, and son Donald Coats.

She is survived by her children Dottie Nance and husband DeWayne, Deann Reger and husband Tim, Grandchildren: Jamie Coats, Julie Mitchel and husband Paul, Chad Reger and wife Alanna, Tiffany Nance, Cody Reger and wife Ashli, Travis Reger and wife Katy, Zachary Nance and wife Meagan, Rachel Nance, and Trevor Reger and wife Jacie. Jan was blessed with 17 great grandchildren.

Jan was born in Chickasha Oklahoma on September 25,1935 to John Hubert and Gladys Dees. She attended Mesquite High School where she played clarinet in the band and was a key player on the state finalist basketball team. She also enjoyed 4-H, and riding in the quadrille in rodeo grand entries. After graduation, she briefly attended Dallas Bible College, and married the love of her life, Darrell Coats.

Darrell and Jan went on to have three wonderful children: Donald, Dottie, and Deann, and 9 grandchildren. Jan kept the books for several companies, including Jan-Kay Construction, 3-C Construction, and Jan-Kay Ranch, Inc. Much to Darrell’s dismay she received her pilots license before him. Before starting the Jan-Kay Ranch, Inc Christian Camp, she, and Darrell would take their church to other camps. Jan would serve as cook, counselor, and teacher for the campers. Together, with her husband, Jan was one of the founders of Jan-Kay Ranch, Inc. She always enjoyed bringing groups to see God’s creation whenever possible. She went on to touch many lives by teaching Bible Credit at her church, teaching the youth and adult Sunday school classes, and doing anything and everything that needed to be done at Jan-Kay Ranch. She loved watching the campers learn about the Lord, playing card games with family, and sewing/quilting whenever she could. The family was always excited to see the amazing creations, or crazy costumes that she would create. When she and Darrell were not at the Ranch, they loved to travel and take their grandchildren to see new places. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, we know Jan is happy to be home with Darrell and the Lord she loved and served.

Scripture

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Prayer

Sharing

Song

What A Day That Will Be

Message

The scripture that I read a bit ago was Romans 12:1-2.

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I chose this verse because it was part of Jan’s testimony. But I also chose this verse because it is an example of how she lived. Not only was Jan my mother-in-law, but for 15 years I worked side-by-side with her. There are a number of things from this verse that apply to her.

First, I can tell you that Jan offered her life as a living sacrifice. Jan was always willing to give and care for others. Jan-Kay exists today because of the sacrifices that Jan and Darrell made.

Jan also understood worship—because her worship was giving. Giving to people even when it was hard.

Next I would point to the fact that she refused to conform to the pattern of this world. In fact, she would “correct” others, like her kids and grand-kids!

I can tell you from experience that she could (and often did) test and approve what God’s will was for her life. And she lived out that will in her life.

In Jan closed her written testimony with these words: “I am learning even more the real joy and thrill that comes in sharing the Good News with others, and I look forward to the return of Christ, or the time when He calls me home to Him.”

Family, I pray that the very words of Jan’s testimony will comfort and encourage you, because she is home with the Lord that she gave her life to love and serve.

Prayer

Song

How Great Thou Art

The family would like to invite you to join them at Mt Olive Baptist Church for a time of fellowship, at our Family Life Center. The church is located at 3509 County Road 42600, Paris, Texas.