Jo Coats Thompson

Jo was born at Baptist Hospital in Memphis on August 4, 1940, to Lida and Henry Coats. She grew up in Collierville and graduated from Collierville High School in 1958. Jo attended Memphis State University and married Jim Thompson in May of 1965. Jo and Jim moved to her hometown of Collierville from Memphis in 1967. In 1966, they welcomed their daughter Carolyn, and in 1970, their son James, Jr. Jo is survived by Carolyn and James and her grandchildren Edwin and Caroline Thompson, as well as by her brother, Henry Coats, by her sisters-in-law, and by her nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Jim, as well as her parents and her brother, Barry Coats.

A talented artist, Jo designed the Town Seal of Collierville for the town centenary in 1970. She held a certificate in watercolor painting from the Memphis College of Art and enjoyed painting, drawing, and calligraphy for most of her life, sharing her creations with family and friends. Utilizing her fine eye and design talents, she chaired the Town Beautiful Commission of Collierville for many years, helping to assure that Collierville maintained its small-town charm. Jo ran her small business hanging wallpaper throughout the Mid-South for several decades and found much joy with her colleagues and customers.

An excellent cook, Jo enjoyed preparing meals with her mother and daughter at the holidays and was known as “The Coconut Pie Champion” among her friends. She was involved in planning several class reunions for the CHS Class of 1958 and remained close to her high school friends throughout her life. Jo enjoyed gardening and yardwork and cherished the dogs she shared with her family through the years. She was a welcoming hostess for friends and family, and loved to have gatherings on football Saturdays to watch her beloved Tennessee Vols. Her quick wit and sly humor will be sorely missed.

Jo served in the Mother’s Club of St. George’s Day school in the 1970s and early 1980s and was an active member of Collierville United Methodist Church, where she sang in the Chancel Choir and served on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Nina Crawford, Aaliyah Tate, Nashondra Crawford, Amber McCulley, Barbara Pool, Lavon Fossett, Jonathan English, MD, the staff of Crossroads Hospice, and the staff of Hearthside Senior Living for their gentle care.

Services will be held at Collierville First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on the Square at 10am on Tuesday, November 29, 2022; visitation and a reception will be held at the Alice C. Cartwright Chapel in Magnolia Cemetery following committal from 11:30am -1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Collierville First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on the Square or to Collierville Food Pantry.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Thompson family.