Roll Call Tribute

Gerlane Coelho Jacob 

May 27, 1946 - February 19, 2023 

Gerlane was born and raised in Joao Pessoa-Paraiba, Brazil, the second oldest of four siblings of Avany Targino Coelho and Jeovah Lins Coelho – oldest brother Edgelson, younger brother Marcos and younger sister Anna. She met her husband Nelson in 1963, while he was serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Brazil. They were married in August of 1965. Their 57-year marriage has been blessed with two children – Tyna and Jeovan, two grandchildren – Jessica and Nicholas, son-in-law Ricardo and daughter-in-law Tracie and granddaughter-in-law Victoria.

Gerlane and Nelson have resided in Belo Horizonte and Belem, Brazil, Kingstree and Seneca, South Carolina, and Corpus Christi and Bryan-College Station, Texas. Over the years, Gerlane acquired U.S. citizenship and proudly defended her Brazilian heritage, while also embracing her adopted American homeland. She passed away as a citizen of both countries.

Gerlane was diagnosed with liver cancer in November of 2021 and following surgery and oral as well as infusion chemotherapy, she was unable to defeat the disease. After a brief period of in-home hospice care, our Lord and Savior called her home, to be free of pain, anxiety, and suffering. All who knew her know she is now doing her part to brighten up God’s Kingdom, with her infectious smile and caring nature.

While we encourage all friends and family to support charitable causes and to feel free to express your sentiments, rather than flowers and gifts to family, we feel the best way to honor Gerlane’s memory is to renew your commitment to God and to seek opportunities to commit solicited and unsolicited acts of kindness. As we say in Brazil: “Paz e Amor.” (Peace and Love)

Celebration of Life and Ascension to Heaven Ceremonies: Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1200 Foxfire Dr., College Station, TX 77845 with Rev. Michael Hafer officiating.

Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Ander, 1545 FM 1961, Goliad, TX 77963, with Rev. Anne J. Kolmeier officiating.