Evelyn (Creagh) McGary Coats was born on October 12, 1927 in Camden, Alabama to the late William and Mary (Dennis) Creagh.
She married the late Lee Winston McGary Sr. on June 6, 1943. From that union were born 6 children.
After being widowed in 1985 she married Jessie Coats on September 26, 1991 and gained 7 stepchildren.
She was a faithful member of New Beginnings C.O.G.I.C. where her husband was the pastor until his death in 2007. She then became the pastor for a time until her son took over the pastorship.
Mother Coats had a heart for pastors and was a pastor’s aide president for several of her pastors; Elder Anderson Cole, Elder Martin Wade, Elder Willie Creagh, Elder Jessie Coats and her current pastor; Elder Willie McGary. She truly loved God and the people of God. She was the true definition of a “prayer warrior” and was often called upon by many to touch and agree with them. She truly believed that if you pray, don’t worry and if you worry, don’t pray.
Many called her “Mom” and she was an avid believer that whatever your hands find to do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith and now she’s gone to get her reward.
Gone but never forgotten, Mother Evelyn Coats went to take her rest on December 9, 2011….until we meet again.
Evelyn was preceded in death by 2 sons; Lee Winston McGary Jr. and Franklin McGary. She leaves to mourn 3 sons; Willie (Dedra) McGary of Marion, Fred McGary of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Melvin McGary of Santa Barbara, California, her daughter; Kathie Richardson of Marion, her 7 step-children; Maggie, Kecia, Tony, Emma, David and Jessie Jr. (Kelly), all of Lansing, Michigan and Shirley Bolden of Connecticut, 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Homecoming will be held on Friday, December 16 at Noon at the Victory Center Church Of God. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hughes-Allen Funeral Home and expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to her family by logging onto www.hughesallen.com and opening her obituary.
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