Frances Eleanore Coates

Frances E. Coates, 94, of Colonial Heights passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on August 10, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Catherine Burns, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert H. Coates; and sister, Margaret Burns Rea. Fran was a devoted military spouse, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, friend and more.

One of her greatest passions was volunteering within her community. She was actively involved in numerous civic organizations, always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

In addition to her volunteer work, Frances was an active member of her church. She found great joy in worshiping with her church family and was always eager to lend a helping hand whenever she could.

As much as Frances loved bowling, she was equally passionate about reading and dancing. She loved nothing more than curling up with a good book and losing herself in its pages. And when it came to dancing, she was a true natural. She loved to move to the rhythm of the music, and her infectious energy and enthusiasm lit up the dance floor wherever she went.

She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Coates, Lynn Settle (Wayne); son, James Coates (Arleen); four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, James Burns; and other extended family members.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Hwy, South Chesterfield, VA 23834. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.