Jettie Claire (Griggs) Coats

With profound sorrow and enduring gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Jettie Claire Coats, who entered eternal rest at home on May 10, 2025, at the age of 90. Surrounded by the love of her family, she was gently carried into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on January 12, 1935, to Porter and Almeda Griggs, Jettie was the eldest of their children and the heart of the family. From a young age, she embodied strength, grace, and devotion—qualities that would guide her through a life of service, love, and faith.

Jettie dedicated her life to being a homemaker, proudly and faithfully fulfilling her role as a housewife. She lovingly supported and stood beside her husbands, helping to raise their children with patience, discipline, and warmth. She was married three times, and each of her beloved husbands preceded her in death. Of all her marriages, her union with Avery Coats held a special and lasting place in her heart. She often spoke of Avery as her true soulmate and looked forward with peace and joy to their reunion in heaven.

A devoted mother, Jettie raised ten children alongside her husbands: Roosevelt (Diane), Carl Jr. (Sharon), Pamela, Gregory, Tabitha, James (Marilyn), and Adrian (Patrick). She carried in her heart the cherished memory of her children Sherman, Gaile, and Karla, who preceded her in death. In addition to her children, she is survived by her loving siblings Carol and Cleo, and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jettie’s legacy of love, faith, and care lives on through 32 grandchildren and more than 30 great-grandchildren. Her home was a sanctuary filled with the aroma of Sunday dinners, the sound of gospel music and children’s laughter, and the comfort of a mother’s presence. She led by example—teaching values of hard work, humility, kindness, and reverence for God.

For over 20 years, Jettie was a faithful member of Community Temple Church of God in Christ, where she served with great devotion on the Mother’s Board. She was known for her warm hugs, thoughtful wisdom, and sincere prayers. Her quiet strength and unwavering faith made her a source of comfort and guidance for many in her church and community.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we find peace in the promises of God. As it is written in Psalm 49:15, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.” We trust that Jettie has been lovingly received by her Savior and now rests in eternal peace.

A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Community Temple Church of God, Galesburg, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and services to follow at 12:00 noon. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and honor the beautiful life of this remarkable woman.

Rest well, dear Mother Jettie Claire Coats. Your love was our strength. Your life was our example. And your memory will forever guide us forward

Services
Visitation
Saturday
May 17, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Community Temple Church of God
2231 Windish Dr,
Galesburg, IL 61401

Funeral Service
Saturday
May 17, 2025
12:00 PM
Community Temple Church of God
2231 Windish Dr,
Galesburg, IL 61401

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