Loretta Elaine Moten Coates

Loretta Elaine Moten Coates, 88, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026 at the Winchester Medical Center.

Born in Winchester on October 18, 1937, she was the beloved daughter of Walker S. Moten and Blanchetta Gibson Moten. Loretta graduated from the Frederick Douglass School as a member of the Class of 1955. She deeply cherished the many lifelong friendships formed during her school years, maintaining those special bonds and holding them close to her heart throughout her entire life.

Loretta began her career working as a secretary at her alma mater, the Frederick Douglass School. She later dedicated many years of service to the Winchester Medical Center, working as a compassionate and dedicated ward clerk.

On June 24, 1967, she married the love of her life, Earl Herbert Coates, Jr. Together, they shared 59 beautiful years of marriage built on love, mutual devotion, and a deeply shared commitment to family.

Loretta joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester in 1946. She served her church family faithfully for eight decades, dedicating her time and talents as a Mother of the Church, and lifting her voice in both the Missionary Choir and the Gospel Choir. Deeply invested in her community, she was also a dedicated member of the Apple Blossom Chapter #196 Order of the Eastern Star and a longtime member of the NAACP.

Mother Coates lived a quiet life defined by a loving meekness, sweetness, and genuine kindness. Best known for her warm and welcoming smile, she possessed a gentle spirit, a quick but quiet sense of humor, and a witty, cute charm that brought joy to everyone around her.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who filled her home with love and warmth. Her grandchildren will always cherish the sweet memories of her delicious sugar cookies and snacks. In quieter moments, she enjoyed the challenge of puzzle books and word searches. She also brought a gentle melody to her home, quietly playing the piano when she thought no one was listening. Among her most treasured memories was the simple joy of being pampered by her granddaughters, including having her nails painted by Shannon.

Loretta is survived by her devoted husband, Earl; her two loving sons, Reverend Floyd (Regina) Coates and Eric Coates, both of Winchester, VA; four cherished grandchildren, Laurence Simmons, Jocelyn Coates, Shannon Coates, and Sarah (Jeannie) Myers; two bonus grandsons, Douglas and Christopher Randolph; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and neighborhood children who lovingly called her Grandma Loretta.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walker and Blanchetta, and her grandparents, Professor Powell Gibson and Hattie Bell Gibson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, located at 1317 South Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA. The viewing will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Dr. Gilbert M. Mack, Jr., Senior Pastor.

Interment - Orrick Cemetery Winchester, VA