Elizabeth Jean Mcginnis Coalson

Mrs. Elizabeth Jean McGinnis Coalson, age 71 of Rockmart, GA, passed away April 3, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Jean was born in Rome, GA on May 22, 1951, and moved to Rockmart in 1967 as a high school student. She was preceded in death by her mother Mrs. Eunice D. Yancey, her step-father Mr. J. T. Yancey, her father Mr. Jack L. McGinnis, Sr., and her brother Danny McGinnis.

Jean graduated from Rockmart High School in 1969 and attended South Georgia State College. She was the Owner/Operator of Sugar and Spice Children's Wear for a number of years prior to retiring from the Polk County School System, working at Eastside Elementary and Rockmart High School.

Family and friends were special to Jean. She and her husband Tony have been married for 41 years. She loved being involved with her children Keisha (Kevin) Deems, Chris Gordon, and Matthew Gordon. And she truly adored her grandchildren, Anslee (Griffin) Earwood, Will (Skylar) Deems, Cole Deems, Savannah Gordon, Ivy Gordon, and more recently her great-grandson Landon Earwood. Jean was always happily involved and attended most all school, athletic, and other extracurricular activities of her children and grandchildren.

Surviving loving siblings include Jack (Gloria) McGinnis, Judi (David) Jackson, David (Judy) McGinnis, Tim (Connie) McGinnis, sister-in-law Kathe McGinnis, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mark and Kathy Coalson, and sister-in-law Lisa Coalson. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins were special to Jean as well.

Jean was always instrumental in assisting with family events and thoroughly enjoyed family vacations. She looked forward to the Christmas Season, and all gatherings at the family farm were special to her. She loved working in her flower beds, caring for her bird feeders and had a fondness for wind chimes.

Jean was an active member of the Rockmart First United Methodist Church, serving as Church Treasurer for a number of years, as well as being a member of the Nominations Committee. She taught Children’s Sunday School and assisted in leading Wednesday youth nights. Jean established the church’s Seniors on the Go program for retirees and co-chaired the monthly Community Meal Mission. She was a member of the Caroline Butler Women’s Ministry Circle and always had fun heading the “Slaw Team” at church fundraising BBQ’s. Jean was a leader, but never wanted the accolades of being one.

She had many friends that were truly like family to her and always enjoyed beach trips with them! Some of them actually called her “sweet Jean”. She would always lend a helping hand, volunteer to work with others, quietly help people and children in need, and occasionally play peacemaker! Jean was not afraid to share her opinion (with a smile!) and always recognized the “good” in everyone with a soft spot for the less fortunate.

Funeral services for Mrs. Coalson will be Thursday afternoon, April 6, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Rockmart First United Methodist Church with Rev. Edward Murrey officiating. Her granddaughter, Anslee Earwood, will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Will Deems, Cole Deems, Griffin Earwood, Kevin Deems, Casey McGinnis, Trent McGinnis, Jordan Jackson, and Brandon Coalson. Landon Earwood will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

The family will receive friends in the parlor of Rockmart First United Methodist Church Thursday from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour.

The family will be accepting flowers; however, memorial contributions may be made to Rockmart First United Methodist Church Pre-School Fund.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Elizabeth Jean McGinnis Coalson.