Nancy died on July 12, 2025, at the age of 81. She loved the Lord Jesus, her family, friends, and her devoted church community. Nancy was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 9,1944 to Myrtice Waters Gay from Sardis, GA and Jean Earnest Gay, from Lausanne, Switzerland. She and her husband, David Coles, resided in East Cobb, GA since 2003. They were happily married for over 59 years.

After several years of Navy assignments on the East Coast, Nancy's family returned to Florida and settled in Gainesville, where she graduated from high school. Each week she and her mother attended the First Baptist Church. After high school Nancy's voice teacher encouraged her to attend LSU to continue her vocal music training. She enjoyed her undergraduate and graduate experience at LSU, but more importantly, she met her future husband, David Coles, a fellow-music student. David and Nancy were married in 1965. Both were well-respected in their individual career paths; teaching, performing, and directing music ensembles in schools and churches, often serving together.

After college and the blessing of their only child, Elizabeth, they began traveling overseas. Some of the countries they lived in early in their marriage include Japan, the Philippines, and Brussels, where Nancy received a First Prize Diploma in Singing from the Belgium Conservatory of Music. During her time in the Philippines Nancy's heart was changed by God. She fell in love with Jesus and His Word, and was discipled by Navigator missionaries. Music teaching and performing was still a professional pursuit, but bible study and teaching God's Word were her passion and joy!

After retirement and relocating to East Cobb/Roswell GA, Nancy and David resumed their love of European travel. They participated in several overseas mission trips with Johnson Ferry Baptist Church as well. As a result of these trips, she and David began teaching English Second Language-evangelism classes. Nancy led a Women's ESL bible study at JFBC for over 10 years. They have both attended their beloved Seasons Sunday school class at JFBC for many years.

Much of Nancy's retirement years was spent loving, praying over, and encouraging her four precious grandchildren. They were truly "gifts of joy and blessings' that never ceased to amaze her with their curiosity, high energy, and sweet hugs! She loved that they called her "Grand mommy." She was especially happy that all the grandchildren serve in their churches, teaching and singing God's praise from hearts that love Jesus! God is GOOD!

Nancy joins her grandparents, her parents, her sister, Suzanne, and other close family members in heaven. She is survived by her loving, faithful husband, David, her wonderful daughter Elizabeth, her son-in-law Clint Johnson, her cherished grandchildren, Cole Johnson (Kelsey), Davis Johnson (Morgan), Graham Johnson (Sydney), Joy Johnson, and great-grandsons; Walker Johnson (Cole) and Heath Johnson (Davis), as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins and extended family.

A memorial service and reception for family and friends will be held for Nancy on July 31, 2025, 2 pm, in the chapel at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a tax-deductible gift in memory of Nancy Coles to Passion Life Ministries; PO Box 862223; Marietta, GA 30062

A special thank you to our friends, the Seasons Class, and those who encouraged the family during Nancy's illness with cards, prayers, food and fellowship. We are also grateful to the Wellstar Hospice nurses and hospital staff who cared for Nancy.

Psalm 95:1-2
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving
and extol Him with music and song! Hallelujah!