Judith Dian Coates

Judy Coates, age 74, passed after a hard-fought battle of six years with Parkinson’s Disease on July 18, 2023. She was surrounded by friends and family and will be greatly missed. Born in Columbia, SC, on August 12, 1948, she was the daughter of the late George “Jack” Leroy Paul, Sr. and Betty Ruth Grice Paul.

Judy attended nursing school and was an operating room nurse at Baptist Hospital until she retired. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC.

Judy’s friendship was treasured by many and loved by all that knew her. Through tragedy and the best of times, she was with us every step of the way—she was our steady. Judy was always there for us before we could even ask—she never hesitated for a second to be there for us. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Judy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Eugene Coates, who fondly referred to her as JP. They had a deep commitment to each other, and their greatest source of happiness was their marriage and family. Judy adored her grandchildren, David, Austin, and Sarah Beth, and was the best “Grammy” they could ask for. She loved spending time with her family and friends—especially her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Shannon Troy Coates (Flory) and Melissa Anne Bradley (Paul), three grandchildren, Paul David Bradley (Sierra), Austin Michael Coates, and Sarah Beth Bradley, two great grandchildren, Paul David Bradley, IV, and Sutton Kate Bradley. She is also survived by her brothers, George Leroy Paul, Jr., (Diane) and William Michael Paul, Sr. (Donna), and her sister, Tonya Lynne Bradshaw (Charles).

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather for a visitation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, followed by services at 2 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, Hopkins, SC. Burial will be at Mt. Elon Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support groundbreaking Parkinson’s disease research.

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