Burness M. Coats

Burness M. Ashby Coats, 103, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on March 16, 2013. She was a member of 40 years at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, and was The Mother's Board Chairperson. She was preceded by: her husband, Lemmie Coats, and three daughters, Zelma Luckett, Geneva Washington, and Merilyn Jarrett. She leaves to cherish her memory: four daughters, Tina Bryant, Erma J. Loughridge (William), Mary L. White, and Gladys B. McKay; one Daughter Grand, Phyllis Washington (Robert); three sons- L.C. Coats (Lula), Charles E. Coates (Mary Louise), and Cleaster Coates (Anna); three stepsons- J.D. Coats, Earl Coats (Raye), and Vernon Coates (Juanita); sister-in-law, Mary Ashby: three nephews- DeArthur Jones, Steven Ashmore Jr., and Joe Ashby; three nieces, Forclen Burnett, Helen Alford, and Searcy Hawkins; 46 grandchildren; 101 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren; five great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Her viewing will be 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street in Little Rock. Mrs. Coats' Home Going Celebration will be Saturday, March 23, 2013, 11 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Roosevelt and Main Streets in Little Rock.