Irene Palmer Coates

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

Irene Palmer Coates, 98, went to be with the Lord Monday, June 30, 2008, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born February 14, 1910, in Kingsport to Sam and Allie Peltier Palmer. She was orphaned at the age of eight and spent the next eight years living at the Oddfellows Orphanage in Clarksville, TN. Returning to Kingsport at the age of 16, she attended Dobyns-Bennett High School and was then employed in the sewing department at Kingsport Press.

Irene was a member of State Line Baptist Church. She was a creative and multi-talented lady who enjoyed cooking and sewing. Her Sunday dinners were delicious and open to all who came. She made sure no one left her home hungry or empty-handed. Her kind and loving spirit will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Malcolm Coates; daughters, Betty Surcey, Darlene Coates who died May 24, 2008; a son, Tommy Coates; grandson, Dwight Surcey; daughter-in-law, Marie Coates; son-in-law, Frank Surcey; two brothers, Stanley Palmer and Hubert Palmer; and three sisters who died in early childhood.

Surviving are a daughter, Carol Crawford and husband Joe; a son, Bill Coates; grandchildren, Sandra Starnes, Tim Crawford, Tammy Phillips, Robin Conn, Steven Coates, Teresa Patterson, Sonja Dingus; fourteen great-grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; and special friends, Kathy Butler whom she affectionately called her "adopted daughter", and Ella Weis Smallwood.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport or any time at the home of her daughter, Carol Crawford. Services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Dr. Cecil Sturgill and Jim Fletcher officiating. Eulogy will be given by Carol Crawford. Music will be provided by Mike Wright.

Graveside services will be held at Noon Thursday at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tim Crawford, Andrew Conn, Joel Phillips, Kenny Starnes, Joe Starnes, and Steven Coates.

The family wishes to send a special thanks to Kenny Starnes and Joe and Sandra Starnes for the care they gave our Mom in the last four years.

Memorial contributions may be given to State Line Baptist Church, c/o Missions Fund, 1905 Flanders Street, Kingsport, TN 37665 or Tabernacle Baptist Church, c/o Missions fund, 1444 Bloomingdale Pike, Kingsport, TN 37660.