Duba Morgan Coats

Duba Morgan Coats, age 84, was born in Clayton, NC to the late Dewey and Bessie Conner Morgan on September 26, 1938. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was dearly loved by, and loved, her childhood sweetheart, Bucky.

A native of Johnston County, Duba graduated from Clayton High School in 1956. She attended Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) in Wilson, NC. She then worked with American Fore/Continental Insurance Company in Raleigh, NC. In 1960, she married George “Bucky” Coats. Duba was a mother and homemaker. Duba and Bucky lived in 10 different states during his career with General Motors. In 1998 they moved back to Clayton.

Duba loved her Lord and every time the family moved, she made sure they found a church home. She served as a leader in the children’s ministries in several churches. When they retired in Clayton, she was a leader in forming the Special Needs Committee at First Baptist Clayton. This committee provides a meal on the day of the funeral for families who have lost loved ones. She was a member of Faith Sunday School Class, Women’s Missionary Union, New Beginners Club and served on numerous committees at First Baptist Clayton. She was a Founding Associate of the Clayton High School Alumni Association. Duba also was a former member of the Felicia Book Club.

Duba enjoyed playing the piano and reading. She was an excellent duplicate bridge player, achieving Life Master level in the American Contract Bridge League. She was known for her cooking and baking and people often share how her recipes have become family favorites.

Duba dearly loved her family and was always looking forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many of her family and friends knew they could always count on her for a good laugh, a listening ear and honesty.

Duba is survived by her husband, George “Bucky” Coats, son David Coats (Debra) of Greensburgh, PA and daughters Allison Coats of Shawnee, KS and Georganne Gairhan (Peter) of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Evan Coats (Katelyn), Will Coats, Drew Nelson, Morgan Nelson, Rease Gairhan (Shadow), Chase Gairhan (Taylor); great-grandchildren Bella and Rivers Gairhan and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Duba was preceded in death by her sister Ruth, brother Charles, and niece Lisa.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. A funeral service celebrating Duba's life will occur Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00am at First Baptist Church of Clayton, 411 N Fayetteville St, Clayton, NC. An interment will follow the services on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Maplewood Cemetery, Highway 70, Clayton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the General Fund, First Baptist Church, PO Box 35, Clayton, NC 27528 or Clayton High School Alumni Association, PO Box 1015, Clayton, NC 27528.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com for the Coats family.