Jean Williams

Coleta Jean (Griffin) Williams was born on December 4, 1934, at Sealy Hospital in Santa Anna, TX to Thomas Alvis & Nettie Lolete (Williamson) Griffin. She died on July 21, 2025, on Cinco Bayou, in Fort Walton Beach FL. Jean spent her early childhood in rural Coleman County, TX and went to school in Santa Anna. In 1941 she moved to Coleman. In 1948 Jean entered Coleman High School. During her time at CHS, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Vice president of the student council, member of the tennis team, cheer leader for 3 years, including head cheer leader as a senior. In 1952 she married David Henry Williams Jr. at Trinity Methodist Church in Coleman and entered The University of Texas with an Education major. She interrupted her education to support David in his career in the United States Air Force in 1958. While stationed in Clovis, NM, Jean and David were sponsors of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and mentored children of the congregation during this period, including social gatherings and educational forums. The couple was assigned to Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath, England in 1961. Jean taught school in the Lakenheath school system for USAF dependents and helped parents and students cope with British customs and practices. After the tour in England, and a short stint at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, Jean stopped off at The University of Texas in Austin to complete her degree in education. After joining David in Fort Walton Beach, Jean taught first and fifth grades in the Okaloosa County school system. Jean spent 8 years holding down the fort in Fort Walton Beach while David served elsewhere, including Southeast Asia. In 1975, while David served at the Pentagon, Jean was a Real Estate Agent in Manassas, VA. After leaving Manassas in 1979 the couple spent time at Eglin AFB, North Bay, Ontario, and Andrews AFB. Jean was active in base and community affairs that were integral in supporting military families. She received many accolades for superior service. In 1986, Jean and David retired from military life and started spending time exploring America in their RV.

Jean was co-chair for the 50th Coleman High School class reunion in 2002. She helped initiate the first CHS Annual Reunion Golf Tournament to raise funds for CHS scholarships and soliciting sponsors. She promoted partnering with alumni and the Coleman Country Club to sustain the tournament for following years. The tournament continued, uninterrupted from 2002 to 2025. Jean also served on the CHS Alumni Association Selection Committee for Scholarships, that was responsible for fairness and integrity of selections. Throughout her life, Jean was an avid quilter and crafter. She hand pieced and hand-quilted many quilts. Each child, grandchild, and great grandchild received at least one of her creations. Each grandchild received a hand-crafted, personalized Christmas ornament every Christmas through their 18th birthday. In retirement, Jean enjoyed spending quality time with her husband, children, grand & great grandchildren, traveling, fishing, and hosting family Thanksgivings, Christmases, and holidays in Texas and Florida. She is greatly loved by everyone who knows her, a very wonderful partner, mother, and woman.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, David Henry Williams, Jr. and three children and a son-in-law: Lyn and Kabe Woods, Holly Williams, and David Henry Williams III; by her grandchildren and spouses: Keli Jean Woods, Britney Reese, Destin and Lauren Williams, and Hayden and Hannah Williams; and by her great grandchildren: Brett, Beckett, Evan, Owen, and Ford. She is also survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law: Sharon and Jimmy Niell, and Kay Wilson as well as by many cousins and extended family in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating her remarkable life at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Coleta Jean Williams to the Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis TN; Bob Hope Village in Shalimar FL at www.afev.us/donate; or Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Williams family by signing the guestbook on Jean’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Williams family.