Judith Yates Coughlin

Judy Coughlin passed away on Friday, November 17. She was born May 11, 1944 in Memphis and spent most of her life in Memphis. She graduated from Harding Academy. Having been dealt a bad hand early in life with a serious grand mal seizure, she still managed to have a full life. She did not allow any limitations she had to hold her back from enjoying life.

Although she was single most of her life, she eventually met and married David Coughlin. The eleven years they were married were the happiest of her life. They truly were delighted to have found each other. Their favorite vacation spot was Hawaii, and they went there many times.

After David’s untimely death, Judy moved to Kirby Pines Estates. She experienced most of the living arrangements afforded there, beginning with a single family dwelling and ending in the nursing home. She truly enjoyed the staff and friends she made there. Judy liked to shop and loved to watch on TV game shows, golf, and Hallmark movies (especially at Christmas). She also loved to sing and could usually be heard at church. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. She was a good person who loved people. She had no enemies.

She is survived by her brother, Jere Yates, and his three children: Camille Block, Kevin Yates, and Brian Yates. She truly loved her family including Camille’s children (Madeline, Abigail, and Oliver) and Brian’s daughter {Avery}. Camille’s husband, Jonathan, and Madeline’s husband, Ingram Spear, were also like family to Judy. Her many annual visits to California to visit these family members at Thanksgiving or Christmas were highlights of her life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 1 at 2:00 PM, at the Kirby Pines Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Judy’s name to Momentum4All, an organization that has taken care of her disabled nephew, Kevin Yates, for over 50 years: Momentum4All, 6430 independence Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Judy, indeed, had a soft spot in her heart for Kevin. Graveside service will be held, on Friday, December 1, at 11:00 AM, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends may follow the Orange Arrows from the Poplar Avenue cemetery gate, in order to locate the graveside service location.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Coughlin family.