Mabel James Coventry's Obituary
Mabel James Coventry, 94, of Powell, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late James McKee III and a devoted mother to her three sons, Bruce (Robin), David (Debbie), and the late Brian (Chrissy). She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 5.
Mabel is survived by her sister, June Brubaker (the late Earl), and was preceded in death by her parents, James and Blanch Price, as well as her four sisters, Yvonne Brown (William), Shirley Lewis (Richard), Louise Bernstein, and Nedra Clark (Jerry).
She will be fondly remembered by her many friends in Buffalo, New York, and at the Abbington of Powell assisted living community, where her warmth and kindness touched all who knew her.
Mabel was born in Buffalo, New York, to James and Blanche Price, who had moved there from Alexandria, North Carolina. She was the third of six daughters and shared a lifelong bond with her sisters. She graduated from Kenmore High School and soon married Bruce Coventry of Derby, New York.
As a military wife, Mabel embraced a life of movement and adventure while Bruce served in the United States Air Force. Over the years, they lived in New York, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, and Washington state, moving more than twenty times and raising their three sons—Bruce Jr., David, and Brian (deceased). After Bruce’s military service ended in 1959, Mabel returned to the Buffalo area, where she would spend the next 64 years.
Following a fall and hip injury three years ago, Mabel moved to Abbington of Powell to be near her son David and daughter-in-law Debbie. There, she formed many new friendships and continued to share her warm and caring spirit with those around her.
Mabel dedicated 30 years to JCPenney, primarily serving as a Senior Clerk in the Custom Decorating Department. After 25 years of marriage, she and Bruce divorced. She later married James McKee III (deceased), though she proudly kept the Coventry name she shared with her sons.
Known affectionately as “La Tiger” among her sisters, Mabel embraced the nickname in her love for all things tiger-themed. She also had a fondness for sunflowers, Siamese cats, and the color purple—reflections of which could be seen in her clothing and home.
Above all, Mabel was a woman of deep faith. She loved the Lord Jesus and was devoted to living as a Bible-reading, church-going, daily-praying Baptist. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her generosity, compassion, and unwavering kindness.
Mabel will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated and will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Jim, alongside her parents at St. John Cemetery in Cheektowaga, New York. A celebration of her life will be held this summer in Buffalo, New York.
On behalf of the entire family, we thank you for your prayers, love, and support as we remember and honor her life.
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