Brother Jerry Oneal Coats was born on September 18, 1952 to Ella Mae Pettway and Sims Coats. He was one of twelve siblings. He attended school in Gees Bend, Alabama.
Brother Jerry Coats confessed Christ at an early age and later joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He liked working in the yard doing landscaping. He also helped with the upkeep of the church, other members of the community, and family yards.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ella Mae Pettway Coats and Sims Coats, Wife, Betty Smith Coats, Siblings, Daniel Coats, Otis Coats, Maggie Pettway, Lome Pettway, Derrick Coats, Brenda Bidford, and Wille Mae Suggs.
He leaves to cherish his memory a very devoted broth- er James Coats, Sr and sister-in-law Letessue Coats who were devoted care givers, sister-in-law Mary Coats, brothers Larry Coats, Haines City, FL, sister Sarah(Gerald) Smith, Detroit, MI, sister Lula (Randolph) Williams, Mo- bile, AL, devoted nephews Reginald(Jannie) Pettway, Mo- bile, AL, James Coats, Jr, Tremane Coats, and Cedric Coats, Mobile, AL and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.