Mrs. Juanita Katherine "Nita" Coats

Our extended family sadly announces the end of a generation with the passing of Juanita ("Nita") Katherine Watson Coats on December 5, 2025, at the age of 95.
Nita was the youngest of six children born to Edgar Monroe Watson and Agnes Fisher Watson of Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth and earning a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Houston, she enjoyed a long career as a Special Education teacher and administrator for the Houston School District. Upon retirement she moved to Mena, Arkansas, where she resided until her passing.
She and husband Ron Coats travelled extensively both before and after retirement. Their travels included long car trips to visit family and friends and numerous ocean cruises to exotic locations from the Caribbean to the Puget Sound. Nita spent time in Paris, France as an undergraduate. She loved to sail on friends' boats and was a serious student of the piano.
Nita is best remembered as a strong, intelligent woman who established herself in professional and academic positions not universally open to women at the time. Throughout her career and later in retirement she mentored many women and tried to help them reach their own high levels of potential. She lent financial support to family members and friends whenever possible and provided temporary shelter with comfort and companionship to family and friends in need. Her laugh was infectious, her hugs warm, and her smile endearing. She was truly a mother, sister, and friend to everyone. A woman of great faith, she showed kindness and compassion to all she met. Her loving example, plus many happy memories, will sustain family and friends throughout their lifetimes. Indeed, a life well-lived.
In addition to her parents, Nita was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Coats, and by her three brothers, William ("Larry"), Elbert and Samuel, and two sisters, Christine and Edna Mae. She is survived by a huge family of nieces and nephews and their offspring, residing from California to New York and points along the way, and by step-children Mark, Lisa and Michael along with their families.
Our dear Nita will be laid to rest beside her late husband Ron at a private graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate a children's book to your local school or library in Nita's honor.
Graveside services for Mrs. Juanita "Nita" Katherine Watson will be held, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas.