Theresa Coats

Theresa Vampran Coats passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at her home in Springfield, Louisiana, at the age of 86. She was born on Tuesday, January 4, 1938, in Maurepas, Louisiana to the late Arcisce Picou Vampran and the late Frank Vampran. She was a resident of Springfield, Louisiana. Theresa was a retiree of the Louisiana State Agriculture Department after working as an egg inspector. One of her enjoyments in life was traveling. Her family was her world.  Every Sunday the family gathered for delicious dinners that she had prepared. She loved sharing her cooking abilities with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Lots of memories were made as laughter filled her kitchen. All holidays were enriched by many family traditions which made each one so special. Her home was one of the most welcoming places. She will be missed but will continue to live on in our hearts.

Left to treasure Theresa's memory is one son, Leonard, Jr., Coats (Vicky), grandchildren, Annie C. Jenkins (Greg), Brandi P. Cox (Rick); Randy L. Penalber Jr. and Cody L. Penalber (Autumn), great-grandchildren, Hadleigh Jenkins, Kelsi Cox (Michael), Kenlee Cox, Aubree Penalber, Tucker Penalber, and Rilynn Penalber; great-grandsons, Colston Ferrara and Dawson Penalber. 

Sisters, Catherine Bruce(Eddie), Donna Zeigler, Rhodell Wheat, Susie Breeland (Hijinio), Nancy Hutchinson, Mary Alice Sylvest, and brother, Raymond Vampran (Diane) sister-in-law Elaine Fayard, and numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Leonard “Sug” Coats, first husband, Denver Dale Penalber, Sr., sons Denver Dale Penalber, Jr.; and Randy Lee Penalber. Sisters, Ramona Pinion, Linda Sproles, Clementine Gregoria, and brother, Terrace Vampran

Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until memorial services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Carter Cemetery in Springfield, La. 

Following the interment, a reception for Theresa will follow at the home of Greg and Annie's.