Jean Coakley

Jean Alexander Coakley, Ph.D., beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Coakley, passed away peacefully February 6, 2017 at the age of 86.  She is loved and remembered by family and friends for her generosity and tenacious fortitude, her emphasis on education and achievement, and her appreciation of "the real thing" -- both in having it AND knowing what it was. She was a Professor of English at Miami University, an author and editor, a Phi Beta Kappa scholar and advisor, a member of the Oxford City Council and numerous boards and organizations. She brought extraordinary energy and skill to her teaching as well as to her hobbies of collecting antique glass and furniture, spinning and weaving wool fabrics, decorating epic birthday cakes, and reading and writing about mystery novels. She is survived by five children: Vernon S. “Sandy “ Ping  (Liz), Mary-Beth Barcus (Donny), David W. Ping (Pam), Phillip E. Ping (Brigid Hill) and William C. Ping (Audrey): eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.  And 19 antique glass cake stands.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday Feb. 16 at 11 AM at Christ Church Glendale, 965 Forest Avenue, Glendale Ohio 45246.  A reception will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati.