Betty Jean Coates

Senior Mother Betty Jean Coates, age 91, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her children. Senior Mother Betty was born on March 8, 1935, in Sulphur Springs, Florida, to the late Mother Susie Hardy and Mr. Thomas Anthony Hardy.

The third of four children, Mother Coates grew up in Tampa, Florida where she graduated from Hillsborough High School. From an early age, she developed a deep love for music, actively taking singing and piano lessons. While in grade school, she was a member of the marching band, serving as a majorette and baton twirler.

Senior Mother Coates was introduced to the House of Jacob at a young age while living in Tampa. She was befriended by members of the church and grew to admire the women and girls of the House of Jacob. She often shared stories of how she would intentionally wet her freshly pressed hair to restore its natural texture, wanting to resemble the friends she admired so deeply.

Mother Coates joined the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob in Tampa in 1947. She was licensed as a Junior Minister in Bethlehem Township, Ohio on August 2, 1953. On October 13, 1963, she was Ordained in Loveland, Ohio, then Consecrated to the Motherhood on September 1, 1974, in Loveland, Ohio. She was elevated to Senior Mother on August 17, 1975, in Loveland, Ohio. She also served as an Evangelist for a number of years.

In 1954, Mother Coates moved from Tampa, Florida, to Lexington, Kentucky, where she was embraced with love and kindness by the late Advanced Presiding Elder Charles Faison and Senior Mother Sarah Faison. While in Kentucky, she met and married John Coates of Camp Dennison, Ohio. The couple moved to Camp Dennison where Mother Coates remained until her death.

In 1956, then Elderess Betty Jean Coates was appointed as the Directress of “The Beulah Land Chorus” of Hazelwood, Ohio. Later, she served as the President of “The 100 Voice National Choir”. As part of her cherished musical legacy, Mother Coates spent decades pouring her heart and devotion into “The Harps of Zion,” affectionately known as “The Harps.” Her dedication to the Harps of Zion was a true reflection of her desire to bless others through song.

Music was always an integral part of Mother Coates’ life, and for over 49 years, she used her gift to compose, arrange, and sing songs about her love of the Lord. God was at the root of all her music. She was featured on the record: “Spiritual Songs of Inspiration” and went on to record three albums: “With God All Things are Possible”, “Lord Be a Shelter”, and “Amen”. These recordings were created alongside her musical partner, Mother Sarah Frierson, as well as family members, talented singers and gifted musicians.

Senior Mother Betty worshiped God not only through song, but also through her deeds. Her testimony was that “God Specializes, and he can do what no other power can do.”

Later in life, she continued writing songs, singing, and playing piano from home. Her music uplifted, comforted, strengthened, and blessed many. Saints often called to tell her how listening to her music while traveling helped them make it safely to their destination. Others played and sang her songs while sitting at the bedside of their loved one, finding peace, and comfort through the music God placed in her heart.

Senior Mother Coates was known for her generosity, kindness, and boundless love. She had a rare, beautiful soul that saw the value in every person, she would listen with an understanding, nonjudgmental ear, offering comfort to anyone who crossed her path. Her home was known as a place where EVERYONE was welcome. Whatever she had, she gave lovingly and freely. Many simply called her “Mom” because that is how they experienced her: a caring, nurturing, and loving mother.

Mother Coates loved creating and doing things that nurtured the soul, whether through sewing, crafting, planting flowers, or bargain hunting at yard sales. She also enjoyed baking and was especially known for her delicious Peach Cobbler.

Mother Coates gave of herself for 91 years. Her life was a beautiful testament to her devotion to God, her meek and humble spirit, her love of her family, and the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob. Her legacy of faith, gifts of music, love and kindness to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Senior Mother Betty Jean Coates is preceded in death by her parents, Mother Susie Hardy and Mr. Thomas Anthony Hardy; her siblings, Naomi, JayLee, and Gwendolyn; and two of her children, her son, John Jr. and her beloved daughter, Mother Matilda Sims.

Mother Coates loved spending time with family. She leaves to cherish her memory, five children: Ms. Ollie Faison of Atlanta, GA, Brother Joseph Coates (Sister Esther) of Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Phillip Coates (Glenda) of Murrieta, CA, Ms. Leah Coates and Ms. Leota Coates of Camp Dennison, OH; ten grandchildren: Manicka Thomas, Josiah Coates, Franklin Sims (Sabrina), Rufus Coates, Teresa Portis (Gregory), Jerome Sims (Nathalie), Marcus Coates (MaryAnn), Elderess Bridgette Smalley (Elder Joshua), Walter Andrews, and Eric Andrews; twelve great-grandchildren: Mariah Coates, Shemiah Sims, Mia Cupid, Elizabeth Coates, Jordyn Portis, Elise Coates, Phillip Coates, Marcus Coates, Serena Coates, Mia Sims, Ari Sims, and Brother Asher Smalley. She also leaves to cherish her memory of her forever son-in-law, Advanced Presiding Elder David Sims, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

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