Teresa Marie Coates

On February 6, 1961 Teresa Marie Coates was born the fourth of eleven children to Rev. Garland and Evangelist Gloria Lewis in Kansas City, Missouri.

Teresa professed her love of Christ at an early age and attended Good Shepherd Spiritual Church of Christ where her dad was pastor. She loved to sing in the choir and often sang lead. Everyone loved to hear her   powerful rendition of “Traveling Shoes.”

Teresa received her education from Kansas City Missouri Public Schools, graduating from Northeast High School in 1979. After graduation Teresa worked various jobs in the retail industry. Her love for fashion led her to work for Charlie’s Clothing Store on Independence Avenue. Once Charlie’s closed their doors, she became a deli manager at Hen House then Price Chopper in Overland Park, KS. She was a devoted worker and adored by coworkers and customers alike.  She went above and beyond to put a smile on their faces by wearing festive hats and headpieces for the holidays of which she used her creativity to make. Her customer service and creative hats led her to being featured on the news.

In 1982, Teresa met and married the love of her life, Keith. They were two peas in a pod. Keith affectionally called her his “Tree-Tree” and when you saw one you saw the other. They were always the life of the party and were known to be one of the first couples on the dance floor    at family gatherings.

Teresa was a diva. She loved all things of fashion and was always put together from head to toe, even while sitting in the house. Her style extended into her home. It was well decorated, and she kept her house pristine.  Although she was a girlie girl, Teresa was an avid Chiefs fan who would host gatherings every Sunday to watch the game. She loved the Chiefs and was excited when they recently won the Super Bowl.

Teresa departed this life on February 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her husband Keith; parents, Rev.  Garland and Evangelist Gloria Lewis; brother, Donald Brown; and  sons, Kenneth and Anthony Lewis. 

Teresa leaves to cherish her memory her son Ernest Darnell Lewis (Gina); bonus children Alysia and Dwayne Coates, Sr.,  siblings Judy Wilson (Ronald), Linda Lewis, Harland Lewis (Belinda) Sherry Reese (Anthony), Terry Lewis (Marsha), Shawn Lewis, Patrick Lewis (Carol), Shelly Lewis (Jewell), and Kelly Lewis (Teresa); sister in-law Joyce Brown;  grandchildren Alonna Burk, Ginelle Lewis, Eric La Pardus, Anthony La Pardus and Emile Warren; great-grandchildren Jaden Lewis and Emry Warren; and host of other special relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 4, 2023 at Trinity Temple Church of God In Christ  11922 Food Lane in Grandview.

Visitation will be from 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Services begin at 12 P.M.         Internment : Blue Ridge Lawn Cemetery