Julia Coates was born on Feb. 3, 1928, in Bronx, N.Y., to the late Willie and Essie Dixon. Julia was called home on July 19,2009, after a brief illness.
After the death of her father, Julia moved to South Carolina to live with relatives and later relocated to Baltimore. There, she met and married James Leroy Coates whom she affectionately called “Lee.”
Even though they did not have children of their own, Julia was a mother and grandmother to so many, especially those who came to her home-based daycare center. She made sure her home was a warm and loving place for children as well as their parents. She continued to stay in touch with many of them after she retired.
Julia enjoyed life, especially spending time with family and friends. She loved to cook and often gave dinner parties so family and friends could gather. She liked to be on the go and enjoyed traveling to North Carolina to visit friends. She would also go to the senior center where she specialized in making bird houses. She loved dolls and had quite a collection.
On July 16, 2000, Julia joined Collective Christian Ministries, and it wasn’t long before she was busy at work. She serve d in the Usher’s Ministry; the Pastor’s Aid Ministry and often helped out with the Benevolence Ministry. She enjoyed preparing food to take for fellowship after service. She loved her church family, especially her pastor and his wife.
After many happy years living on Oakford Avenue, she decided to move to the Randallstown Pavilion Co-Op for Seniors. There, she developed many special friendships. She enjoyed working on the kitchen committee and working the sundry shop.
She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Estelle Mitchell; brother , Elder Sam Dixon of New York; sister-in-law Arlene Coates; niece Patricia Jones of Georgia, whom she helped raise; longtime friend Odell Cameron of North Carolina and host of nieces, nephews, godchildren special friends in North Carolina and other relatives.