Marilou Benson Coats

Marilou Benson Coats, 83, Beloved wife, mother, and friend to many, peacefully crossed the threshold into the spiritual world at about 8 am on Monday, December 17 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Marilou was born in Sinton Texas on February 24, 1935 to Joseph K. Benson and Mary Louise Cooper Benson.

Marilou studied home economics at the University of Texas in Austin for two years, where she met her future husband. They were married at the Sinton Presbyterian Church on June 16, 1956 and moved to Chattanooga in October of 1956 where her husband began working at the DuPont Nylon Plant. Marilou completed her BA degree in home economics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and worked in retail sales at a several local stores. She served as President of the Riverland Civitan Club and volunteered for numerous community efforts including Meals On Wheels and CONTACT of Chattanooga. Marilou was an active member of the local and National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and served as facilitator for the local DBSA support group, Chattanooga Pendulums, for over 40 years. She also served on the Board of Trustees at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute and was a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Along with her husband, she was a member of the Anthroposophical Society In America and the First Class of the School For Spiritual Science. She was also an active member of the Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Fred H. Coats, Jr., daughter Cynthia Louise Coats Workman (Tony), sons James B. Coats (Sylvia Yvonne), Fred J. Coats, William H. Coats (Ami), Stephen R. Coats (Lil), and Jasper H. Coats, Brothers Joe K. Benson(Austin Texas) and Jasper William Benson (Austin Texas), Grandchildren Cyndy Coats Smith (Evan), Louisa Hughes Long (Martin), Christopher Coats (Jill), and Troy R. Workman, and six great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Marilou’s Life will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Saturday December 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. James Davenport officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Formal dress is not required.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Marilou’s memory to the Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com