In Loving Memory of Jeanette Cantees McCoy
Jeanette Cantees McCoy, 95, of South Williamson, KY, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021, at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY.
Born September 3, 1926, in Williamson, WV, she was a daughter of the late George Cantees and Anna Simon Cantees.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul McCoy, a beloved son, Rodney D. McCoy, a sister, Adeba Cantees and six brothers, Sam, Tom, Cullen, Kamel, Harry and Johnny Cantees.
Jeanette’s father, George, along with his brothers, Joseph and Abraham Cantees, came to the United States from Kfeir, Lebanon in 1899. George had recently married his bride, Anna Simon, and hearing news of prosperity in America, George and his brothers came to the United States to seek a prosperous future. George and Anna traveled by ship to Ellis Island and from there they journeyed to Welch, WV. George started a mercantile business in Welch. The business was destroyed by fire in 1911. George and Anna then moved their family to Williamson where he later established Cantees Confectionary. The Cantees family became widely prominent in the Tug Valley as other members of the family later opened and operated several businesses within the City of Williamson.
Jeanette was the youngest of George and Anna’s eight children. She was educated in the Mingo County school system, graduating from Williamson in 1944. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Paul McCoy, on September 23, 1951. They became the loving parents of three children, Cheryl, Rodney and Christy. Jeanette was busy raising the children and caring for her home while Paul worked as a mine superintendent. Jeanette was also very active in church and social circles. She was a lifelong member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was a member of the Episcopal Church Women and she had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Calista Boyd Chapter #104, since March 17, 1947. Over the past several years the annual Williamson Wildwood Garden Club Tea had become a highlight on Jeanette’s spring social calendar.
Jeanette was very active throughout her life. She absolutely loved and enjoyed being with and among people. Anyone who knew her, knew of her love of sports. Her love of sports began when she started dating and supporting her high school sweetheart, Paul, who was an outstanding athlete at Belfry High School. Paul received a scholarship to play football at the University of Kentucky but stayed only ten days. Jeanette said, “He couldn’t stand the thought of me dating anyone else, so he came home.” She was an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, attending every game that she possibly could. She was a fixture at all Williamson High School basketball games until Williamson, Matewan and Burch High School’s consolidated in 2012 forming Mingo Central High School. Jeanette then faithfully attended the Mingo Miners games with her daughter, Christy and her lifelong friend and South Williamson neighbor, the late June Blevins. Jeanette had also supported her son, Rodney, a standout athlete at Williamson High School and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have participated or are participating in various athletics in their schools.
Jeanette had so many interests in life. She absolutely loved caring for her home and kept it immaculate. She was an excellent cook and loved nothing more than gathering family and friends at her table.
Jeanette was an avid shopper with an impeccable sense of style and fashion. She loved shopping at Chico’s where she could find the most gorgeous leopard prints. Always very particular about her appearance, she kept her hair and nails in perfect condition, seeing her hairdresser, Elaine Freeman, and her manicurist at her favorite nail salon on a weekly basis. She loved being chauffeured on long car rides and eating out on Friday night. She loved traveling with her family, and she was always ready for the next trip or vacation.
Jeanette’s family was her life and she was unendingly proud of her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Her family brought much love, fulfillment and joy to her life and her family showered her with love.
Jeanette lived a very long, full and happy life. Her father’s dream of prosperity and providing a good life for his wife and children became a reality. Jeanette will be lovingly remembered for her zest for life, her endless energy, and the tremendous show of strength she displayed over the past two years as her health slowly declined. While her passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of her family and friends, she will be lovingly remembered and cherished always.
Jeanette is survived by her daughters, Cheryl and her husband, James David Slater of Pikeville, KY and Christy McCoy of South Williamson, KY, her grandchildren, Chad Slater and his wife, Dani Slater of Ashland, KY, Paul David Slater and his wife, Valerie Slater of Pikeville, KY, Rodney D. McCoy, II and his wife, Jamie McCoy of Forest Hills, KY, and Dustin McCoy of South Williamson, KY, her great-grandchildren, Cade Slater, Cassidy Slater, Megan Slater, Grant Slater, Lincoln Slater, Jett Slater, Lillee McCoy and Renlee McCoy. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends, including her longtime friend and former neighbor, Bricey Cline.
Visitation is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sunday evening, November 14, 2021, at Weaver Mortuary in West Williamson. Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Monday, November 15, 2021, at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church with Father Nick England officiating. Interment is in the Mountain View Memory Gardens at Huddy, KY.
Grandsons, nephews, Jack Bevins, James Catron and Ethan Webb will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Tussey, Dee Gentile and Mark Cline.
In keeping with Covid-19 safety precautions, masks must be worn inside the mortuary and at the church. Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the McCoy family.
