Betty “Ma” Marlin Couch Coates, age 94, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026. A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Colbert Memorial Gardens. Pastor Alan H. Beasley and Norman Simmons will officiate.
Ma was a longtime member of First Methodist Church in Tuscumbia. Throughout her life, she enjoyed participating in her bridge club and study club and was a member of the Tennessee Valley Country Club for many years. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, making memories along the way. She cherished the friendships and connections she built throughout her life and the many memories she made with those she loved.
Ma is survived by her sons, Steve Coates and Keith Coates (Regina); her daughter-in-law, Denietsia Coates; her grandchildren, Chris Coates (Jessie), Stephenie Wilson, Hannah Coates, Ty Coates (Whitney), Chance Coates (Brittney), Bryant Coates (Kendyll), Keri Jaudon, and Erin Dyer (James); and her great-grandchildren, Kameran Wilson, Kiersten Wilson, Caroline Coates, Carter Coates, Cecily Chase (CeCe) Coates, Kipton Coates, Hendrix Coates, Liam Lee, Sarah Dyer, Trevor Dyer, Grayli Haddock, and Maison Haddock.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Richard A. Coates; her son, Craig D. Coates; her parents, Ellis E. Couch and Emaline H. Couch; her brother, Ellis E. (Butch) Couch III; and her sister, Sara Loyd.
Betty’s grandsons, Christopher Coates, Tyler Coates, Chancellor Coates, and Bryant Coates, will serve as pallbearers. Her great-grandsons, Kipton Coates, Hendrix Coates, Carter Coates, and Liam Lee, will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Methodist Church in Tuscumbia Building Fund.
Family and friends are invited to visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com and leave online condolences.
