Joan Elaine Lanahan Coe

Our world lost a bright shining light on March 1, 2026, when Joan Elaine Lanahan Coe passed away peacefully, holding her daughter’s hand. Her vibrant life began on December 15, 1938 when she was born to her dear parents, John and Mollie Lanahan, in Houston, Texas. From the very first, she brought love and joy to everyone in her life.

Joan was a very proud third generation Houstonian. She lived in the Garden Villas neighborhood, attending Austin High School, where she participated as the Captain of Company B in the Scottish Brigade. In later years, she made the effort to attend every Brigade reunion, often organizing the large events.

After graduating high school, Joan attended Sam Houston State University, where she completed her degree in Elementary Education in 1960. Her years at Sam Houston were filled with a multitude of activities, accomplishments and awards. Making friends came so easily to Joan that she was selected as Class Favorite in her sophomore, junior and senior years, as well as All College Favorite her senior year. Her main extracurricular activity in college was serving as cheerleader for three years, the final two of which she was head cheerleader. Organizing pep rallies and attending all the games took so much time and effort that it was a wonder she excelled in her classes to the point of earning a scholarship, attaining membership in the Honor Society and Dean’s List, as well as Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She was pledged to Alpha Chi Omega and served as the sorority secretary. In the fall of 1959, she was honored as the student body elected her Homecoming Queen.

While attending Sam Houston, she caught the eye of a fellow student and Korean War veteran, Norman Coe. They met when she was a dancer and he was the writer/director of a play at Sam Houston’s Pioneer Roundup. Their courtship continued as she was selected as the Sweetheart of his fraternity and their love deepened, resulting in their wedding on September 16, 1961. They settled back in Houston where Joan taught third grade and Norman began his career in computer programming. They were long time members of Memorial Drive Methodist Church and served on the board. What a happy marriage it was, filled with joy, love and laughter--a model of devotion for 46 years, until Norman’s passing in December 2007.

Joan and Norman were blessed by the arrivals of their daughters, Cathey and Carrie. The girls couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated mother. Joan volunteered for every activity that the girls participated in, serving as room mother, dance mom, Girl Scout leader and drill team president, just to name a few. She exemplified to them the meaning of love and kindness. Joan made every Christmas and birthday a magical experience. The girls’ favorite memories were the family trips to Estes Park, Colorado, that Joan and Norman turned into wonderful adventures.

But if you had asked Joan what her most important role in life was, the answer would be “Grammy”. Her five grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. Each and every one were given special attention and they are all still deeply devoted to her. Grammy entertained them with her legendary Camp Grammy during the holidays and summers. They went to the zoo, parks and many other special outings, as well as art and play activities at “Grammy and Grampy’s” house. To this day, stories are told about these times. The grandchildren’s sports, dance, gymnastics and school activities were rarely missed. Grammy was most definitely their biggest cheerleader.

Joan lived her life joyfully. The first thing everyone always noticed was her beautiful smile. She enjoyed meeting people, turning them into lifelong friends in minutes. Her list of “best friends” was lengthy and she ran into people she knew (and remembered) everywhere she went in the world. Her address book was full of these friends, many of whom were on her list to receive her famous Christmas cards. She thoughtfully sent many greeting cards throughout the year, remembering every special day. We all will sorely miss how special she made each of us feel.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband Norman, her parents John and Mollie Lanahan, and her daughter Carrie Coe Hunt. She is survived by daughter Catherine (Cathey) Coe Williams and her husband Rolfe and their sons Cameron (wife Barbara) and Christian (wife Catherine), as well as daughter Carrie’s (husband Jeff) children: Collin Hunt, Elaine Hunt Wendt and Ashlynn Hunt. Most happily, Joan was able to get to know her great granddaughter, Parker Joy Williams (Cameron and Barbara’s daughter), who was born in February 2025. Joan is also survived by her sister Carolyn King and her family.

Her last years were spent as a resident of the Delaney at South Shore Senior Living, where she immediately made many new friends of her fellow residents and the staff of both the Delaney and Magnolia Hospice. The family thanks them for making her last days happy and comfortable.

A private funeral service was held on March 10, 2026 for immediate family members. We will miss her every day of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or any charity of your choice.