Jo Ann (Cagley) Coleman

Feb 1, 1930 – April 15, 2026

Jo Ann was born February 1, 1930 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Walter J. and D. Maxine Ellliott Cagley.

In 1936 the family moved to Chehalis, WA, where she lived and graduated high school.

She attended Central Washington College. In 1950 she married Dale E. Coleman and they moved to Bandon, Oregon where Dale was employed as a timber faller. In 1959 they moved to Vernal, UT with his brother to build and operate an electric sawmill and later a planning mill. While there, Jo Ann worked for the US Park Service at Dinosaur National Monument. In 1964 they moved to Brookings, Oregon where Dale worked for BZ & H Logging and Jo Ann started a 30-year career with the US Forest Service.

While working at the Forest Service, Jo Ann kept books for Dale’s logging business and his chain saw sales and repair shop that operated out of the current Chan’s Restaurant location. They were a team. They eventually expanded the business and opened a shop in Gold Beach. They sold the two shops to their sons. Both shops are operating today as Curry Equipment in Brookings and C & M Equipment in Gold Beach.

Jo Ann and Dale, made a lasting impact on the Brookings community through their vision, resilience, and hard work. Arriving in Brookings in 1964 with very limited means, they rebuilt their lives through determination and ingenuity. Over the years, they contributed significantly to expanding housing options and lowering housing costs in the area by developing and building two mobile home parks (Coleman Cove, now Brookings Mobile Home Park and Tonopah Mobile Village), providing affordable living options for many families. Their entrepreneurial spirit also supported local tourism through the development of Sea Bird RV Park, welcoming visitors and strengthening the local economy. Jo Ann managed the RV Park until it sold in 2001. In addition, their various business ventures created valuable employment opportunities for community members. Through their efforts, Jo Ann and Dale not only transformed their own circumstances but also improved the lives of many others in the community. In retirement they developed a hillside subdivision creating new home sites for the community that is part of the Crown Terrace development.

In her earlier years, Jo Ann enjoyed sewing and made numerous prom, wedding and brides maid dresses for friends and family. She loved her garden, canned it, and enjoyed sharing her bounty.

Jo Ann is survived by five children- Sheila Sparlin, Terre Hodges (David), Shelly Slack, Brad Coleman (Laurie) and Chris Coleman (Marie). Thirteen Grandchildren – Ben McVay, Bud McVay, Brent Hodges, Brandon Hodges, Aaron Hodges, Courtney Slack Reisler, Kelley Slack Maxwell, Jay Slack, Tiffany Coleman Kirkish, Joshua Coleman, Ariel Coleman, Kyle Coleman, Kambri Coleman Weber and eighteen great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Jo Ann’s caregivers, Ginger, Linda, and Sara and to Shirley and the many people with Coastal Home Health and Hospice who attended to her needs and expedited her care. They were all so gracious, kind, loving and attentive to Jo Ann.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Coastal Home Health and Hospice.

No service will be held at Jo Ann’s request.