Fern Coats

Fern Coats, 88, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on April 28, 1923 in Inola, Oklahoma, the daughter of Homer Andrew Billingslea and Erma Lemorne (Barker) Billingslea. She married Marvin Clay Coats on December 6, 1941 in Claremore, Oklahoma, making a wonderful life together. She and her husband, Marvin, worked as youth pastors in the First Free Will Baptist Church starting in the early 50's. She was still a member when the Lord called her home. She always put her Lord first. Fern spent 29 years making a home for her family before she went to work at the Whitaker State Home and also for Tumble In. Fern dearly loved her family, enjoying watching them play sports and was a huge OU Fan. She enjoyed reading and crocheting, making afghans and doilies. Fern's family was her pride and joy. She was a lovely lady of faith who leaves many wonderful memories for her family and friends to cherish. Funeral Services for Fern will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2011 in the First Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Thomas Ballard officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery with Tommy Clay Coats, Rob Dale, Shawn Dale, Beau Dale, Dillon Gardner, Chad Gardner and Logan Gardner, serving as casket bearers. Honorary Casket Bearers are Sami Dale, Ty Dale and Kynlee Coats. The family asks that memorials may be made to the following: Gideon International, Pryor Gideons, P.O. Box 953, Pryor, Oklahoma 74362, Thomas J. Harrison Library, 505 E. Graham St., Pryor, Oklahoma, 74361 or The First Free Will Baptist Church Youth Group, 107 S. Ora Street, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 in Fern's memory. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evening. To leave a personal message to her family, please see her web memorial at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral Cremation Service. Fern is survived by her son, Tom and wife, Brenda Coats of Pryor, OK; her daughter, Judy and husband, Charles Dale of Pryor, OK; one brother, Jack Billingslea of Tulsa, OK; one sister, Margie Katen of Pryor, OK; four grandchildren, Emily, Tommy, Shawn and Rob; six great grandchildren, Beau, Sami, Ty, Dillon, Logan and Kynlee; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Erma Billingslea; her husband, Marvin Coats; one daughter, Marvine Coats.

Previous Events

Cemetery Details