Roberta Jones Coates

A former Fourth Grade teacher and tutor who last worked in Henrico County, Bobbie was born on August 25, 1931 in Front Royal, Virginia. She was one of 10 children born to Mabel Alice Pugh Jones and Cornelius Houston Jones, Sr. She and her beloved husband, Albert Wood Coates, Jr., married on June 8, 1957, had nearly 57 years together until Al's passing in 2014.

They are survived by their four children, Debra C. Savage, Susan C. Childress (Greg), Albert W. Coates, III (Barbara) and Timothy A. Coates (Xiaolan) and five grandchildren, Lillian, Elizabeth, Merryn, Ruby and Cassidy. A sister, Alice Rowe and a brother, Clarence Jones, also survive her as do many nieces and nephews.

Bobbie was a graduate of Madison College (now James Madison University). She enjoyed making crafts in her spare time and her works grace the homes of her children. Like her husband, she had a strong Christian faith and was active for most of her life in church activities. Bobbie was a beautiful lady inside and out and set an excellent example for her children and grandchildren. She had an excellent sense of humor but was concerned about the world her grandchildren will inherit.

Due to the pandemic, burial will be private and a celebration of her life will be held at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Red Cross or your favorite charity. The family thanks the staff of Discovery Village in the West End, especially Donta Briscoe, for their assistance to Bobbie these past six years. "Thank you Lord for saving my soul/Thank you Lord for making me whole".