Jane Ward Coghlan

Funeral service for Mrs. Jane Ward Coghlan, 79, of Laurel, Mississippi will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church, in Laurel, Rev. Shannon Slover will officiate. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm at First Baptist Church Laurel. Jane Ward Coghlan is remembered as a loving mother and cherished friend who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning at her home. Born with a kind heart and generous spirit, her legacy is one of love, friendship, and service. Jane will be remembered as a kind, loving and thoughtful soul who spread kindness and joy to all who came in contact with her. Jane’s smile was always warm and welcoming. Jane was a proud graduate of Taylor County High School in Perry, Florida. She furthered her education after high school in Atlanta at the Atlanta School of Modeling! She then worked for 20 years as a teller at First National Bank / Trustmark / Community Bank. At the age of 40 she decided to return to school to continue her education at Jones County Community College and then graduated from William Carey College in September of 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. At the same time Jane was working several jobs and raising three young girls. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree the same year as her middle daughter, Karen, graduated from high school! Jane even attended classes at Jones County Community College with her eldest daughter, Pamela. Jane was so enormously proud to be the first from her family to graduate from College! This was a huge accomplishment for her and instilled in her daughters how important education is. Jane’s most treasured moments were those spent with her loving family. She is survived by her daughters Pamela Elizabeth Coghlan of Plano, Texas; Karen Coghlan Kison (married to Chad Kison) of Alexander City, Alabama; and Jennifer Coghlan Graveman (married to Kyle Graveman) of Kimberly, Alabama. The light of her life also included her precious granddaughters Julia Kilby Kison and Penelope Jane Graveman along with numerous nieces and nephews who will hold her memory dear. Jane is also survived by her brother Donald James Ward (married to Melissa) of Tifton, Georgia and sister-in-law, Mary Sue Ward of Adel, Georgia. Preceding Jane in death were her father Guy Columbus Ward, her mother Carrie Willa Pruitt Ward, her brother Kenneth Guy Ward, sister-in-law Faye Grantham Ward and her precious granddaughter, Sadie Coghlan Graveman. Each of them held a very special place in her heart and their memories remained a guiding light throughout her life. Jane’s impact on the world was as profound as it was graceful. Her loving nature, her thoughtfulness and her friendly demeanor were the hallmarks of her character, touching the lives of everyone she encountered. Her absence will be deeply felt, yet the beauty of her kind and humble spirit will continue to inspire and comfort those she left behind. Her dedication and discipline paved the way for a remarkable career. Jane retired after 20 years from First Call For Help, which is an information and referral agency of The United Way. Additionally, she conducted GED testing in the evenings at the alternative school while being the Nursery Supervisor and the Mother’s Morning Out director for 20 years at First Baptist Church of Laurel. At the age of 70, Jane retired from the nursery at First Baptist Church to enjoy more time with her family, especially her two granddaughters. Jane had a servant’s heart and loved children and serving others, which is a testament to her love for Jesus Christ her Savior. Jane loved spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed going to sporting events, dance recitals, other special programs, holidays with family and friends, and particularly playing cards with her grandchildren! They were her true joy in life, and they always made her smile. Jane also enjoyed traveling. A few of her favorite places she traveled to were New York, Maine, Oregon, Hawaii, Mexico, Scotland and her beloved North Carolina to see her family. She enjoyed the adventure of travel. She also enjoyed exercise in her younger years teaching jazzercise and even belly dancing at the YWCO. Jane continued her love of exercise teaching water aerobics at the Wellness Center until five years ago. She was a founding member of Golden Vision, which was a businesswomen’s organization that worked with the school system, awarded scholarships, and helped with school gold cards. Dedicated to her family and her community, she joyously embraced life’s journey. Jane’s memory will be held in the hearts of her loved ones as a beacon of the love and warmth she so freely gave to all as she emulated her Savior, Jesus. In honoring Jane’s life, we reflect on the words of Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” As we bid farewell to Jane Ward Coghlan, we celebrate a life full of love and cherished memories. Her story is one of unwavering kindness and steadfast dedication to her family, friends, and her Lord and Savior. Jane’s love, indeed, has become a part of us all. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly through the lives of those she touched, and she will be profoundly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Young Life Plano Donation for Jane Ward Coghlan (https://giving.younglife.org/JaneWardCoghlan) or Magic Moments Family Camp (http://www.magicmoments.org/volunteer/give/ ) at Lake Martin, Alabama (please, in the comment section, specify Family Camp). These organizations are close to Jane’s heart since her daughters are both involved. Pallbearers will be Chad Kison, Kyle Graveman, Darrin Ward, Brock Ward, Lance Ward, and Kermit Lee Pruitt. To sign or view the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Jane Ward Coghlan

September 21, 1946 - January 14, 2026