Janice M. Coles

With heavy hearts we announce Janice W. Coles (RN BSN), age 70, of Memphis, Tennessee, and formerly of Kiln, Mississippi, passed away on August 3, 2026, following a two-year battle with the effects of a stroke. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and registered nurse who served others with skill and compassion for forty years.

Born on March 24, 1956, to Clarence and Heneritta Wilkerson and raised in Kiln, Mississippi, Janice was a graduate of Hancock North Central High School, Pearl River Community College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. After spending two decades in New Orleans, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, following Hurricane Katrina, where she resided until her passing. Janice dedicated her life to her family and profession as as a nursing, bringing love, caring, steady care and quiet strength to loved ones and patients alike throughout a life and career that spanning seven decades.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky O. Coles Sr.

Janice is survived by her son, Dr. Ricky O. Coles Jr., of Zionsville, Indiana and daughter-in-law, LaToya M. Young-Coles, of Beaumont, Texas; one daughter, April K. L. Coles of Memphis, Tennessee; her brothers, Robert Wilkerson of Picayune, Mississippi, and CAPT William “Bill” Wilkerson of Marietta, Georgia; her sister, Gloria James of New Orleans, Louisiana; her sister-in-law, Kim Coles of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Missionary Baptist Church of Bay Saint Louis, 256 Sycamore Street, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520. Visitation Viewing Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. through 10:55 a.m., The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Internment Service will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery following the funeral service, located at 304 South Necaise Avenue, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520. 

Janice will be remembered for her dedication to family, her lifelong commitment to caring for others, and the unshakable faithfulness that marked her life.

Baylous Funeral Home is honored to serve the Coles family, and we ask that you continue to cover them in thoughts and prayers throughout the difficult days ahead.