Mary Geneva Jones Coats Sharinger (Ginny)

Mary Geneva Jones Coats Sharinger, age 79, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4:32 a.m. at Hospice of East Texas.

A celebration of her life will be held at Westlake Baptist Church from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship at Gina’s home where family and friends can gather, share memories, and honor the life she lived.

Ginny was born on Sunday, May 5, 1946, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Arnold Wellborn and Iva Jones Wellborn. From an early age she carried a strength and determination that would define the way she lived her life.

She was preceded in death by her spouses, Larry Joe Coats Sr. and her beloved husband and best friend, Thomas R. Sharinger. She was also preceded in death by her daughters, Seritia Ann Coats and Naomi Wynonna Coats and her granddaughter, Brittney Trapp.

She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, including Sandra Delores Welborn, sibling, Jeffrey Welborn, nephew, Bregina Lynn Coats Trapp, daughter, Deba Ann French Johnson, daughter, Courtney Coats Sharinger, daughter, Joe Thomas Coats, son, Larry Joe Coats Jr., son, Barbara Glen, sister-in-law, and along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made brighter because of her kindness. Ginny loved all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had the patience and love for them all.

Ginny found happiness in the simple joys of life. She loved tending to her garden, baking for those she loved, reading a good book, and spending time surrounded by her family. Her home was always a place where people felt welcome.

One of the things she was most proud of was her determination to keep going, no matter what life placed in her path. Though she left school in the seventh grade after becoming a young mother, she later returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. She often spoke about that accomplishment with pride, and it was a reflection of the strength and perseverance that defined her life.

Ginny was known as an outstanding apartment manager who cared deeply about the people in her community. She went out of her way to help those who were struggling, and more than once she made sure families had a place to stay when they had nowhere else to go. Many of those people remained lifelong friends, a testament to the kindness and compassion she showed to everyone she met.

More than anything, Ginny will be remembered for her loving heart, her strength, and the way she showed up for the people she cared about. She leaves behind countless memories, stories, and lessons that her family will carry with them always.

Ginny will be deeply missed and forever loved.