Emily Coats, 85

Emily Bell Coats passed away quickly and painlessly Feb. 26 from a brain aneurysm while enjoying a bowl of soup in Irving, Texas. She was looking forward to her favorite dessert to follow, key lime pie. Though her passing was sudden, comfort can be found in knowing she is now reunited with her maker and her beloved husband of over 50 years, Dr. David Alexander Coats.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Adele Bell. 

Born on Aug. 3, 1939, in Velasco, Texas, Emily lived a life filled with purpose, love and service to others. Emily had very humble beginnings and was always proud of her Texas roots. She grew up the daughter of a shrimping boat captain and spent her youth swimming in the Guadeloupe River. She excelled in school and went to Stephan F. Austin State University, where she met David. 

In the early 1970s, she and David made their home in Tyler, where David practiced radiology. Together, they raised their two children, Catherine and Jason.

Emily was a cornerstone of the Tyler community, dedicating her time, talents and boundless energy to numerous charitable organizations. She was president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Tyler Women’s Forum. She was a longtime member of the Medical Alliance, the League of Women Voters, and the Women’s Symphony League. Emily was also very committed to First Presbyterian Church for many years. If there was a cause to support or a community in need, Emily was there, leading with kindness, intelligence and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. 

For those lucky enough to know Emily, you know she was a wicked-smart bridge player and a true joy to be around. She embodied the epitome of a true Southern belle — graceful, kind, loving and full of beauty inside and out. Even in her later years, when she moved into assisted living and eventually memory care in October, she quickly became a resident and staff favorite with her welcoming smile and happy demeanor.

Emily is survived by her sister, Nancy Pugh of Tyler; her children, Jason Ellis Coats of Irving, Texas, and Catherine Adele Reynolds (Branden) of Hayden Lake, Idaho; and her two beloved grandchildren, Valerie Reynolds of Spokane, Wash., and James Reynolds of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, which desperately needs funds to keep the tigers fed and its doors open. Emily and David also had a deep love for Caldwell Zoo, which is another wonderful way to honor her memory. Please reference her name so that we may appropriately thank you for your kindness.

Emily’s final wish was to have her ashes scattered over East Texas so she could forever be with the love of her life, David. To celebrate her life, a luncheon and happy hour will be planned in the fall at her beloved Hollytree Country Club, where she was a founding member.