Mary Clara Cox Coates

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God every time I remember you

Mary Clara Cox Coates, 90, Kingsport, passed to her heavenly home after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Terri Oaks. Her daughter and two sons were by her side.  Mary was born on April 24, 1928 and lived her entire life in Kingsport.

Mary was always proud of the fact that she never smoked a cigarette, drank alcohol, or drove a car her entire life.  She was an avid walker and always walked to work.  Her first job was in the cafeteria at Andrew Johnson School and then at Hillside Nursing Home, working until she was 82 and quitting only because of open heart surgery. She enjoyed all the comments on her beautiful red hair and pretty outfits while walking her 100 laps around the Atrium at the Kingsport Senior Center every Tuesday and Thursday after playing bingo.  Mary had a kind and loving heart and always spoke an encouraging word to everyone.  She was a faithful member of Power Point Ministries and the Kingsport Senior Citizens Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chagar Acon Cox and Mattie Gertrude Grubbs Cox Smith; son, Roy Larry Coates; the father of their children, Junior Coates; two brothers, Herman and Herbert Cox; and her best friend, Sylvia Clark.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Terri Oaks and husband, Gary; two sons, Gary Coates and wife, Carolyn Sue, and Jerry Coates and wife, Andrea; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother Jay Coates of Modesto, California; two nieces, Karen and Vicki; her special friend, Robert Calhoun; and two special kitties, Simon and Andy.

She had her hair done at Hair 10 for more than 50 years by her dear friend, Liz Russell, whom we want to thank so very much for coming to the house and washing and setting her hair when she was unable to go. The family also wants to thank Rita Rose for being such a wonderful friend, and to Sherry Rose York of Avalon Hospice for all the love they gave to her.

The family will receive friends from 12-2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Bishop Jack K. Forbes and Pastor Brandi Neal officiating.  Burial will follow in Bacon-Kincheloe Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donovan Coates, Logan Coates, Wesley Coates, Larry Coates, Alan Coates and Eli Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sullivan County Humane Society, 2141 Idle Hour Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660.