Hazel Welch Coats

Mrs. Hazel Coats was born in Cleveland, OH on December 20, 1947, the daughter of the late Ernestine Sowell and Joe Welch. She departed this life on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS. This date has a great significance to the family. We know that Jesus Christ suffered long and hard so that we may have access to eternal life and to one day live with Him. The bible tells us on Good Friday, after Jesus had suffered, he said “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands, and with those words he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46) That's exactly the parallel path we feel our mother and loved one took. After having suffered and battled with cancer for several years. After having the doctors send her home on hospice only giving her months to live (2009). After having been in so much pain but yet she kept moving, yet she kept helping with her great grand babies, yet she kept cooking, yet she kept enjoying those things that made her happy to the best of her ability. After having fought a GOOD fight, what better day than to experience and follow the path of Christ. On this day (Good Friday), she breathed her last breath. We take comfort in knowing she no longer has to suffer and fight here on earth. Hazel was a loving and giving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, family member and friend. She was an excellent cook that enjoyed the opportunities to cook for her family, share recipes and absolutely loved thrifting (shopping at thrift stores). She could make beauty out of what someone else saw as throw-a-way. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and sister (Bertha Hemphill Brown). Survivors left to cherish her memory are one daughter, Angela Coats of Gulfport, MS; three sons, Robert (DaNeen) Coats of Akron, OH, Micheal Coats of Jackson, MS and Travis (Kimberlie) Coats of Gulfport, MS; 16 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 23 sisters and brothers (paternal); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I've found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A love shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life's been full, I savoured much, Good family, good times, my loved one' touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. Romans 14:8 “If we live, it's to honor the Lord, and if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8 “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Hazel Welch Coats. Inquiries: call 228-436-6722.