Doris Elam Coates   (August 25, 1939 - March 11, 2025), a native of Newport News, Virginia was a devoted wife of 44 years (Paul Anthony Coates, deceased) and mother of three (Camille, Monica, and Eric).  She served as a federal government worker for many years in Baltimore, MD.  She was a woman of devout faith who spent years writing and sharing inspirational poetry with people across the country. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am Eastern Time on March 29, 2025 at Gospel Spreading Church, 1915 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23607. The service can be streamed  https://www.youtube.com/@gospelspreadingchurchchurch8930  .  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens. 

 Donations in Doris' name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital using this link:  Doris Elam Coates Memorial Fund