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BORN
1929
DIED
2025
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Thelma Coates Obituary
December 24, 1929 -
May 25, 2025
Thelma Coates passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 95.
Thelma was born in Scott County, Virginia to the late Charles and Irene Vermillion and lived most of her life in Kingsport, Tennessee.
She was a loving wife and mother who lived a Christian life of caring for family in their time of need. Thelma was of the Methodist faith.
Thelma was a dedicated employee at Holston Valley Hospital and worked with pride in the radiology department.
She loved working in her flower gardens and her legendary Christmas cookies and candies were given to everyone she knew.
In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by husband of 59 years, Joe Coates; daughter, JoAnn Surber; brother, Gene Vermillion; sisters, Bertha Johnson, Otry Smith, and Janie Davis.
Those left to cherish Thelma's memory are her son, Tom Coates; grandchildren, Tammy Clark, Scott Buckles, Tracy Chandler (Brian), Sarah Haynie (Josh), Ben Coates (Jamie); son-in-law, Randy Surber; several cherished great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1444 Bloomingdale Rd., Kingsport, Tennessee.
A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 pm with Brian Chandler officiating.
The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to Tammy Clark for her excellent care and companionship of Thelma in her last few years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting, www.alz.org
To share memories and condolences with the family please visit www.oakhillfh.com
The care of Thelma Ruth Coates has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Coates
Sponsored by Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services LLC.
1 Entry
Brenda White
June 3, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. I worked with Thelma in Radiology for 11 years.
Brenda White
[email protected]
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services LLC800 Truxton Drive P.O. Box 1068, Kingsport, TN 37660
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