Janice I. Coombs

Janice I. Coombs, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and Mima, passed away on August 5, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born on September 22, 1942, in Parrish, Alabama to Gus and Gene Elliott.

 

Jan, as she was known by her friends, led a remarkable life filled with love, creativity, and an enthusiasm for helping others. She had a successful career for many years as a purchasing agent at the Vaughan Hospital but her passion was the arts. Alongside her mother, she owned Bo-Arts & Crafts—a testament to her creativity and love for crafting with others.

 

Not only artistic but an adventurous spirit, some time after Bo-Arts closed Jan and her husband Wendell spent many years working for KOA (Kampgrounds of America). This provided them with the opportunity to travel across the United States. They journeyed far and wide, rediscovering the beauty of this great nation and made many friends and stories along the way before returning home to spend their last years together in Selma, Alabama. 

 

Jan will be remembered as a gentle and kind soul who touched the lives of those around her. Even while residing at the Benton House in Newnan, Georgia—an assisted living facility she moved to some time after the death of her husband — she continued to teach arts and crafts to fellow residents. Her selflessness and enthusiasm for teaching even as her health began to decline were truly inspiring, but what defined her was her faith. 

 

As a lifelong member of Westwood Baptist Church, Janice found spiritual fulfillment in Christ and had peace in the knowledge of her eternity. Her devout commitment was a guiding light that not only brought her comfort throughout life's ups and downs but also spoke to all those around her.

 

Mourning her loss are her loving son, Michael Averette (Sue); daughter, Robin Daniels (Phillip); daughter, Lisa Koch (Ted); daughter, Tonya Teal; daughter, Shannon Majors (Mark); eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Their lives were forever enriched by her love, guidance, and unwavering support.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her great-grandson, and her beloved husband, Wendell. 

 

A graveside service to honor and bid farewell to this remarkable woman will be held on August 10, 2023, at Pineview Memory Gardens in Valley Grande at 10:30 a.m. with Bro. Reginald "Trey" Jones officiating. 

 

The family would like to recognize the staff at Benton House of Newnan for their gentle, compassionate care that made such a difference in her last years. She loved each of you and her family could feel your love for her. In the end, love is all that matters.

 

Entrusted with her final care and arrangements is the Selma Funeral Home of Valley Grande, Alabama.