Mary Lucy Coates, age 82, of Akron, Ohio, died peacefully on September 3, 2026. She was born on August 29, 1944, in Evergreen, Alabama.

 Mary's family values and religious beliefs began at a young age at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Evergreen, Alabama.

 Mary graduated from Conecuh County Training High School in May 1962. Her southern upbringing contributed to her experiencing many things under the Jim Crow laws during that time, which involved segregation. She even picked cotton at J Villa Plantation with her siblings. 

After graduation, she migrated North to Akron, Ohio, to stay with her Aunt Ira Lee Stallworth, her mother's sister. It was then that she developed more of a sisterly relationship with her 1st cousins. She was in Akron for only a short time before she met the love of her life, Arthur Coates Sr. The two joined in holy matrimony on June 18th, 1963, and they had three beautiful daughters and one son. Mary worked occasionally outside the home but was more focused on raising her children. She was a very elegant woman. She dressed well and kept her hair and nails done. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson meant the world to her.

 Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Coates Sr., of fifty-four years; her parents, Bennie and Artimese Carter; and two sisters, Margaret Ann Douglas and Evelyn Carter. 

She is survived by her children Cathy Coates-Brown, Myra R. Snipes(Kirby), Shelia A Primas( Charles, and Arthur Coates Jr.(Tracey); grandchildren: Teneisha Brown, Anthony Brown Jr., Portia Snipes, Nathan Snipes, Charles Primas Jr., Ashley Primas, and Aubrey Coates; One great grandchild Anthony Jackson 111; Siblings: Bennie Carter Jr.(Tanya), Bernice Parker(Floyd Sr.), Blanche Carter, Henry Carter (Brenda), Harold Carter and Loretta Carter. Brother-in-law: Gerome Douglas; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We give special recognition to her mother's last 3 siblings: Aunt Minnie Tolbert(102), Aunt Mary Gross(90), and Uncle Mack Stephens(87).

God has been good to our family.

Condolences on behalf of Mary Coates may be sent to 1950 Northgate Circle Akron, OH 44320