Lavona W. Coates

Lavona W. Coates, 77, of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at her home. She was born July 17, 1939, in Fulton, Missouri, a daughter of the late William Irvin and Ruth (Dudley) Brown. She was a graduate of the St. Mary's School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. Lavona was united in marriage in Montgomery City, Missouri, to Joe L. Coates Sr., who preceded her in death on June 9, 2004. Lavona worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary's Health Center, Charles H. Still Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. She also worked at Missouri Cancer Associates, and was an Instructor at Lincoln University School of Nursing. She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City, the Women's Missionary Union and a Certified Congregational Nurse at Second Baptist Church. Lavona enjoyed singing in church choirs, and started her own Gospel Group "Grace, Mercy and Truth". Lavona is survived by a daughter: Robin Coates Brandon of Jefferson City; three sons: Joe Coates Jr. (girlfriend Reva) of Jefferson City; Neal Coates of St. Louis; Daniel Coates (girlfriend Angela) of Jefferson City; three sisters: Delores Lawson of Fulton; Elaine Britt of Chicago, Ill.; Vivian Burwell of the State of Texas; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lavona was also preceded in death by a daughter: Angela Coates; a son-in-law: Charles Brandon; two daughters-in-law: Sandra Coates and Virginia Coates; and a brother: Eugene Brown. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Second Baptist Church, with Rev. Cornell C. Sudduth Sr. officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Second Baptist Church, 501 Monroe St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com