It’s never easy to say goodbye to those who have left an indelible mark on their families and communities. In January 2026, three remarkable lives—each unique in their passions, accomplishments, and devotion—came to a close, leaving behind legacies that will be cherished for generations. The passing of Martha Jane Jones Lakeman, Janet Lee Davis Giebel, and Vernon "Vern" Edward Coates Jr. has prompted an outpouring of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection from those who knew them best.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Martha Jane Jones Lakeman, aged 89, entered into rest, as reported by the Augusta Chronicle. Ms. Lakeman was more than just a beloved mother and grandmother; she was a Master Duplicate Bridge Player, known for her skill and competitive spirit at the card table. Bridge was not just a pastime for her, but a way to connect deeply with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Her love for travel and cruising took her across the globe, and she was always eager to share stories of her adventures with those around her.
Ms. Lakeman’s involvement in her community was extensive. She was an active member of the SERTOMA Club of North Augusta, an organization dedicated to service, and she also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), showing her support for veterans and their families. In her years of good health, she was a faithful member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in North Augusta, where she found fellowship and spiritual nourishment. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident in every aspect of her life.
Family was the cornerstone of Ms. Lakeman’s world. She is survived by her daughters Carla D. Hinkler, Penelope Jane Burton, Renee Demedicis, and her son Thomas H. Davis, Jr. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren—Christine Wueste, Daniel Hinkler, Thomas H. Davis I, Russell Anthony Davis, Lauren Burton, Elizabeth Phillips, and Justin Michael Devaughn—and four great-grandchildren. Those who knew her best remember her as a woman who touched countless lives with her warmth, humor, and generosity.
To honor her life, a graveside memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Graniteville, South Carolina, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2 PM, with her son Thomas Davis, Jr. and son-in-law Steve Burton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, reflecting Ms. Lakeman’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.
Just a day after Ms. Lakeman’s passing, another family bid farewell to a beloved matriarch. Janet Lee Davis Giebel, age 87, died early Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, at the Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center in Elkins, West Virginia, according to Legacy.com and Lohr & Barb Funeral Home. Born on October 31, 1938, in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Janet led a life marked by service, resilience, and love for her family.
Janet was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a distinction that shaped her character and outlook on life. Her professional journey included work at Webb Ford Sales in Elkins and a long career as a bookkeeper for C & O Motors in Charleston, from which she retired. Janet was known for her keen intellect and meticulous attention to detail, qualities that served her well both in her career and in her personal pursuits.
Her interests were simple yet profound—she loved reading, word search puzzles, and watching Westerns. These quiet joys provided comfort and companionship, especially in her later years. But above all, Janet cherished time spent with her family. She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, remembered for her unwavering support and kindness.
Janet is survived by her son James M. Davis, daughters LeAnn M. Nutter and Wendy M. Bodkins, and her sister Dorothy Ann Phillips. Her family circle extends to ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of special nieces, nephews, and friends. Janet’s request for cremation was honored, reflecting her practical nature and respect for simplicity. The family invites those wishing to pay tribute to plant a tree or send flowers in her memory, a gesture that echoes Janet’s appreciation for life and growth.
Earlier in the week, on January 11, 2026, Vernon "Vern" Edward Coates Jr., age 90, passed away in Salem, Oregon, as noted by the Statesman Journal. Born in Salem on December 7, 1935, Vern’s life was rooted in the Pacific Northwest, where he became a pillar of the educational and faith communities. Vern graduated from Salem High School and went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Education from Oregon College of Education, preparing him for a career that would impact countless young lives.
Vern was married to JoAnn Casey on August 31, 1957, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly seven decades. Together, they raised a family rich in love and tradition. Vern’s professional life was spent in the Salem-Keizer School District, where he worked as a counselor and teacher. His colleagues and students alike remember him as a compassionate mentor, always ready with a word of encouragement or a listening ear.
Faith and service were at the heart of Vern’s life. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, where he forged lasting friendships and contributed to charitable causes. His passion for farming and family gatherings brought joy and unity to those around him, and his steadfast commitment to the Catholic Church provided spiritual guidance throughout his years.
Vern is survived by his wife JoAnn Coates, as well as children and grandchildren who continue to honor his memory. Funeral arrangements will take place at Queen of Peace at 11:00 AM on January 22, 2026, offering friends and family an opportunity to gather, remember, and celebrate a life well-lived.
Each of these individuals leaves behind a tapestry of memories, accomplishments, and relationships that will endure long after their passing. Their stories remind us of the quiet heroism found in everyday acts of kindness, the importance of community, and the enduring power of family bonds. As loved ones gather to pay tribute—whether at a graveside in South Carolina, a chapel in Oregon, or in the homes of family in West Virginia—their legacies continue to inspire and uplift all who knew them.