Sandra Jean Coates

May 28, 1941 – January 2025

Sandra Jean Coates, lovingly known as Sandi, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. She was born on May 28, 1941, in Tyler, Texas, to Ferrell Wilson Sanders and Norma Jean Clayton Sanders.

Raised in Tyler, Sandi graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, where she enjoyed oil painting and football games, but admittedly didn't care for homework or science. She also enjoyed water skiing on Lake Tyler as well as teaching lessons to other children at the lake. Sandi dreamed of becoming an art teacher and pursued her passion by attending Tyler Junior College, where she was an Apache Belle. She later transferred to East Texas Baptist College.

During college, Sandi met the love of her life, Dale Young Coates. After a whirlwind romance, they married on February 12, 1966, at First Baptist Church of Tyler. The couple began their life together in Grand Prairie, Texas, where Dale taught band and completed his master's degree in music from North Texas State University.

Sandi and Dale moved several times, living in Ennis, Terrell, and Wills Point before settling in Mesquite, Texas. There, Dale became the founding Band Director of West Mesquite High School; and Sandi devoted her time to raising their two sons, Craven Young and Clayton Ferrell. She later worked as a substitute teacher and eventually taught at Floyd Elementary in Balch Springs, Texas.

Sandi was an active member of First Baptist Church Dallas, where she taught second-grade Sunday School, served as a Chapel Choir sponsor, and led the Baptismal Ministry for over 2 decades. She cherished the friendships she made through the church community and enjoyed serving others. Punctuality wasn't always her gift; and those at the church knew that she would probably arrive to a wedding right as the bride was walking down the aisle, or to church, before the invitation.

After Dale's passing in 2023, Sandi spent her final days surrounded by her loving family in Argyle who provided her with care and comfort. The family would like to especially thank Ms. Jep and Ms. Jennifer for the love and care they showed mom.

Sandi is preceded in death by her parents, Ferrell Wilson and Norma Jean Clayton Sanders, and her husband of 57 years, Dale Young Coates. She is survived by her sister, Danna Sue (Don) Whitus of Tyler, Texas; her sons, Craven (Amy) Coates of Argyle, Texas, and Clayton (Allison) Coates of Camarillo, California; and her grandchildren: Abby Grace (Chris) Meads and children Cash, Adler Jane, Callen, and Crew; Ivy Beth (Levi) Box and son Grady; Arden Claire (JD) Lowrie and son Shepherd; and Asher, Olsen, Ava Leigh, Embry Ann, Elam Drew, Oakley Brooke, Able, Abbott, Axton, Urban Jake, Ella, Karis, Tatum, Tyler, Annabelle, and Callie Coates.

Sandi's life was marked by her faith, creativity, and dedication to her family, church, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation:

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 10a.m to 12p.m. at First Baptist Church Dallas, Texas. Parking is available in the Horner Garage and visitation will be held on the 7th floor of the Horner Building.

Graveside:

Due to the potential of inclement weather, we are moving the graveside service inside. It will be at 3:00p.m. in the main worship center of Friendly Baptist Church, 1903 E Front Street, Tyler, TX 75702.