Joann B. Coates

Coates, Joann Age 88, Passed away on February 23, 2024. Born December 28, 1935, in Beatrice, Nebraska to the late Charles and Irene Brady. Beloved wife of the late Claude "Kip" Coates with whom she spent over 53 loving years. Loving mother of Gary (Nancy) and Steve (Andrea). Proud grandmother of Catherine, Matthew, Courtney, Alex, and Nicole. Dear sister of the late Lois Martin and sister-in-law of Carolyn Coates. Aunt of Billie-Jean Martin, Wendy Martin, Amy Smith and Brad Martin. Joann moved from Nebraska to Detroit when her father was transferred while he was employed by Western Union. While growing up in Detroit, Joann attended Cooley High and was a very proud Cooley Cardinal being involved in activities too numerous to mention. She later earned a political science degree from Michigan State University and even traveled to California by train to watch the Spartans beat UCLA in the Rose Bowl. She later earned a master's degree from Wayne State University in education and pursued credits towards her PhD also in education. She professionally served as a director of Head Start, the preschool program run by the Wayne County Intermediate School District. She was a devoted member of the Unitarian Church in both Southfield and Birmingham. She served as president of the local League of Women Voters Chapter. Joann had the privilege of attending speeches by both JFK and RFK, when they addressed the people of Detroit in the 60’s. Joann's family was her greatest joy, and she cherished traveling with her husband both in Europe and across the United States. At the top of her favorite things to do was attending all her grandchildren's activities, as well as spending time at the family cottage in Cedarville. Kip and Joann also loved to go to the family fishing cabin at Iron Lake in Echo Bay, Ontario. Joann’s ties to Northern Michigan were special to her. She met Kip in Cedarville when she was working at the Islington Hotel. Kip provided boat rides through the islands as he pursued his future spouse. A memorial visitation will be held on March 16th from 2:00 pm until the time of the service at 3:00 pm at the Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Road (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. Please share a memory at SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Joann B. Coates

December 28, 1935 - February 23, 2024