Obituary: Navis Jean Coats, July 17, 1938 - October 26, 2026

Navis Jean Coats, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and Nana received her eternal heavenly reward on October 21, 2026, in San Antonio, surrounded in love by her family.

Navis was born on July 17, 1938, in the hospital on Fort Clark, Brackettville Texas to Baston C and Jo Alice Massey. A true US Army brat born on an old frontier fort, raised in a multitude of locations including Brackettville, Washington state, New Jersey, Japan, North Carolina, San Antonio and points in-between.

San Antonio turned out to be the most pivotal stop as it was here that Navis eventually returned and settled with her parents and first met her loving husband Arthur as a teenager. She graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1957 (the old campus, for those that know).

Navis subsequently attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1961 and embarked on a multi-decade teaching career, serving students in Texas and Arkansas, while developing their critical reading and writing skills. She lived out her belief every day that learning is the gateway to opportunity, imagination, and a brighter future. Many of her colleagues and students recall her skillful dedication fondly to this day.

Navis was the most gentle and nurturing of souls who adored and uplifted her husband of 66 blessed years, and a loving mother whose greatest legacy was the family she raised and the lives she touched. A dedicated child of God, her faith community was Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church where she faithfully attended services, Bible study, and supported ministries including women’s groups and education.

May she now rest in well-deserved peace, and may we all be comforted by the knowledge that a life devoted to learning, family, and love leaves a legacy will surely survive the test of time.

Navis is survived by her husband Arthur M Coats. Also survived by her children and families as follows:
Son, Chris and wife Elizabeth, and their children Ben and wife Ariel, Joseph and wife Alia, Carrie and husband Nils, and Sean. Great-grandchildren Lars, Cillian, Alice, Niall, Arthur, and Eik.
Son, Charles and wife Ursula, and their children Taylor, Matthew and wife Esmeralda, and Noelle and husband Blake. Great-grandson Liam.
Daughter, Cathy and husband Jim, and their children Britni and husband Cody, Brandi and husband Keith, and Bradlie and wife Tiffanie. Great-grandson Grayson.
Daughter, Carin and husband Doug, and their children Dalton and wife Natalie, Baleigh and husband Cole, and Emerie. Great-grandchildren Lilah Mae, and Everett.
Navis was preceded in death by her parents Baston C Massey and Jo Alice Massey, and precious infant son Craig Marvin.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Angelus Chapel.  Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 10:00am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.