Willie Ethel (McGuire) Coats

Sunrise: August 22, 1947~ Sunset: July 1, 2022

Willie Ethel (McGuire) Coats was born August 22, 1947, in Doddsville, Mississippi. Born the 3rd eldest of 12 children to the union of Robert and Fannie McGuire, who preceded her in death.

Early Friday morning, our dear Mother Willie Ethel received her wings at Trinity Health Hospital with her devoted daughter, Margaret, at her bedside.

Willie was a proud graduate of Ypsilanti High School in 1965 and a certified Nursing Assistant for over 35 years until a medical retirement forced her from the work she passionately performed. Willie was a natural nurturer and illuminated care and compassion. She was called to be of service to those who were unable to support themselves or needed assistance restoring their dignity, self-worth, and independence. The community she dedicated this life's work to, is our most vulnerable, our beloved elderly. Willie was a ray of light that shinned for those who needed their paths lightened. She was a God-fearing woman who exuded abundant faith and extraordinary optimism. A generous woman that would give anything she had, including her bed, if you needed it. Although Willie birthed 4 children, she was an affectionate mother to many.

In 1994, Willie rededicated her life to Christ and became a member of the Burning Bush International Ministries C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Bishop Don W. Shelby, Jr. As a faithful servant and loyal member of BBIM, she was promoted to the mother's board and would later become the esteemed President of the Nurses Board and more importantly, Bishop Shelby's personal nurse. This was her highest honor. Mother Coats knew that she was serving the LORD, by serving Bishop Shelby.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories; Her loving sons; Calvin Sr. (Chantale) Coats of Clarksville, TN and Americus Coats Sr. of Ypsilanti, MI. Two daughters, Margaret (Demetrice) Patterson and Kalisha Coats, both of Ypsilanti, MI. 15 grandchildren; Calvin Jr. (Dreama), Myiesha, Americus II, Ebony, A'Myreonna, Kwaylin, Canah, Trinity, Morrissio, Nadia, Caleb, Kyren, T.C., R'Kristian, and Rayna. Willie also leaves six siblings: Margarette Reed, Rosie Brandon of Ypsilanti, Grace Lewis of Augusta GA, Ruthie McCalep, Reica McGuire of Ypsilanti, Jesse (Donna) McGuire of Phoenix, AZ., and one God sister, Shirley Ross-Morton of Ypsilanti. A host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and friends.

Mother Coats had two special Sisters in Christ. Mother Mary Jean Bougard and Mother Phyllis Williams. This trio was affectionately known as the "Golden Girls" to the Burning Bush family. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter L. McGuire Sr, and John Eddie McGuire: three sisters, Verlean M. McGuire, Sheila A. McGuire, Dorothy J. Hayes and one aunt, Annie Ruth Wright.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Burning Bush International Ministries ( 30355 Annapolis Avenue, Westland) with Bishop Don W. Shelby officiating. The family will receive friends 4-7 pm Monday, July 11, 2022 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). Willie will be laid to rest at United Memorial Gardens in Superior Township, MI.