Fay Coiner Jennings

Fay Coiner Jennings, 86, of Madison Heights went to join her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 28, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Elmer Warren Coiner and Myrtle May Desper Coiner.

Fay, born November 7, 1939, was both deeply loved and generous with her love throughout her life. She carried a tender heart for the children of her community and devoted herself faithfully to nurturing them. For several decades, she served as co-head of the nursery at Thomas Road Baptist Church, where she poured patience, kindness, and steady guidance into countless little lives. Whether through her work at church or the daycare programs she lovingly ran from her home, Fay believed wholeheartedly in raising up the next generation. To the many children she cared for, she was far more than a teacher, she was family.

Fay also served faithfully in the women’s auxiliary of The Gideons International, sharing Testaments wherever she went. Her quiet acts of faith and service reflected the depth of her compassion and her desire to bring comfort and hope to others.

Outside of her dedication to children and ministry, Fay found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader, often found with her nose tucked into a good book. She delighted in embroidery, carefully stitching thoughtful gifts for those she loved. She had a fondness for classic Westerns and rarely passed up the chance to watch an old favorite. Fay also knew how to treat herself, never shy about asking for a special sweet treat, whether it was saltwater taffy or a Peanut Buster Parfait, she knew exactly what she liked and went for it.

Above all else, Fay cherished her family. Time spent together meant everything to her. She filled rooms with story after story, sometimes lovingly embellished, and laughter was never far behind. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and her warmth, devotion, and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for years to come.

In addition to her parents Fay was preceded in passing by her beloved husband James Jennings, Jr.; her son Chris Jennings; and her brothers Benjamin Warren Coiner and Harold Eugene Coiner.

Those left to cherish Fay’s memory include her son Jeffrey Jennings and his wife Samantha; her grandchildren Casey Elizabeth Rice and her husband Nathan, Joshua Warren Jennings, Tara Marie Jennings, Sean Asher Jennings, Jackson Lee Jennings, Easton Lee Jennings; her daughter-in-law Kristi; her brother-in-law George Jennings; her very special friends David and Brenda Alger and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A celebration of Fay’s life and faith will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2026, at 11am at Thomas Road Baptist Church Pate Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and Pastor Rick Rasberry Officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6-8pm at Whitten Monelison Chapel.