NANCY BEMUS COLES

1948-2016

Nancy Bemus Coles answered her call to Heaven on Saturday, June 25, 2016. She was born in Houston, the only child to Lucille Hilton Bemus and Edward Beyer Bemus on Feb. 11, 1948. Both parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Julie Baxter née Krumnow, son-inlaw Paul Baxter, grandchildren Aidan, Evie and Wyatt Baxter, and the love of her life, Richard Coles, of Canyon Lake, TX. The story goes, that when they were teens, Nancy stalked Richard until they dated for two years in junior high school.

Though life took them on different paths, they reunited in 2009, and married on May 22, 2014. Nancy attended Valley Oaks Elementary School, Landrum Junior H.S., and Spring Branch H.S. (Houston, TX), and received her both her B.A. and M.A. in Education from Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, TX).

Nancy was highly regarded for her gifts as a teacher (O’Connell H.S., Galveston, TX), Santa Fe High School (Sante Fe, TX), Elsik H.S. (Houston, TX); and as the Mother’s Day Out Director at Living Word Church of the Nazarene (Houston, TX). She had a passion for mentoring young adults, through her work as a teacher of Home Economics and English, as well as through her work with Caravans.

She was renown for her sewing, cooking (especially her gumbo) and painting. She was a Charter Member of Celebrate Life Church of the Nazarene (Katy, TX). She enjoyed spending time with Richard and her grandchildren, traveling, music, going to Pecan Street Brewing (Johnson City, TX) for traditional country music live, and a nice glass of Llano Sweet Red wine.

Throughout her lifetime, Nancy spread her lightness with her hearty sense-ofhumor, easy laugh, and generous spirit. She spoiled her children and grand children, especially Julie’s husband, Paul, the son she always thought she wanted but some days she questioned that desire. A testament to their unique relationship was on her last day on earth she gave him the raspberry – twice!

In the final minutes of Nancy’s life, Julie played some of her favorite music from Chris Rice’s Come to Jesus to Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), and ultimately Lonestar’s Amazed, which Richard recalled being the first song she shared with him when they were reunited. She answered her call to go home within seconds of the song’s ending.

A viewing for the public will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 1101 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77055 on June 29th, 2016 from 5:00-8:00.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 8th, 2016 at 11:00 at Living Word Church of the Nazarene 16607 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084.