Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Leah Loving Coats

10/21/1961 - 11/24/2023

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Obituary For Ms. Leah Loving Coats

Ms. Leah Loving Coats, 62, of Oak Hill, WV passed Friday November 24, 2023.

Leah was born October 21, 1961 in Beckley, WV, the daughter of the late Landon Loving Jr. and Rosalie Simmons.

Leah was a focused, selfless, and passionate woman. She grew up in Summerlee, WV with the love of God in her heart as a young woman. She was raised by her grandparents and other family and friends. She enjoyed raising kids and she did raise plenty.

Leah went to West Virginia Tech College where she met plenty of friends and family. At that time, she worked for Montgomery Wards. She met her then husband at that time. Leah then moved to Philadelphia, where she had her three sons. She also raised a bunch of kids there. She worked as a travel agent for Smithkline Beecham. Leah started her own business as a wedding coordinator. During that time, she sang in multiple choirs and served in different duties in the church.

Leah, relocating back to West Virginia, took back the role of a day care provider. She raised plenty of kids during her lifetime. Leah loved kids.

Leah joined St. Paul Baptist Temple and was a well-known member of the church serving as choir director, participating in Sisters United, Pastor Anniversary Committee, Praise Team, and serving in other functions in the church. Leah, in her later years, worked in home health, where she saw after the elderly which she enjoyed until she became sick with cancer. She fought cancer and became cancer free for seven years. After that battle she became an adamant supporter for cancer awareness. She would do anything in her pursuit of happiness for anyone fighting cancer. She loved people and people loved her.

Leah had one roll she would not waiver on, that was taking care of “her babies”. She especially enjoyed taking care of her “Mike”. She enjoyed planning vacations for the family.

Leah touched many lives promoting gospel quartets and their music where she met and made many friends. Leah fought hard until God opened his gates and called her home. She loved her family, church family and friends.

Leah, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by grandmother, Jessie Mae Simmons, Etha Mae Loving; grandfather, Landon Loving Sr.; stepmother, Lois Loving; uncle, Charles Loving and aunt, Lucille Loving.

Leah leaves to cherish precious memories her sons, Johnny Coats III, Michael Coats, and Quinton Coats; grandchildren, Janiyah and Micah Coats; children she raised, Khadedrah Mohammad, Rachel Coles, Anyah Fortune, Lataya Dunkin, and plenty of cousins, nieces, and nephews; siblings, Stevie “Tony” (Rosetta) Watts, Landon Loving, James Loving, Loren (Bridgette) Loving, Tony Ross, Delmar “Shae” (Wayne) Elam, and Lana Hairston and stepmother, Exia Hairston.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, December 9, 2023 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley, WV with Rev. Walter Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

12/07/2023

Arlene Weldon-Gay

Sis I'm so glad that I got to see you and you got to stay with me. Even though it was a different circumstance, I'm just happy that I got the chance to see you. You rest easy sis in law! You were always an amazing person. You know my momma always loved you and you were always part of our family. You will be missed. Love you ❤️
12/06/2023

Ruby Greenhowe

Rest In Peace Doll Baby, as she was affectionately called. Prayers to Family.
12/06/2023

Bonnie Sullivan

I really loved Leah, I was the Pediatric nurse at Scarbro that took care of Michael. She was a very real person, loved everyone. This world will be a lonely place without her. Praying for her family, May God strengthen you all and give you peace in knowing that your beautiful mom is in heaven with all the saints singing and shouting His praises. You will see her again one day, count on it.
12/06/2023

Donna Nicholes and Family

Losing a Mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. We are one with you in mourning the loss of your Mother and my dear friend Leah (Doll) as she was called by many.Doll was a big part of our family for she and I shared a beautiful granddaughter (Janiyah) whom we love so much and is so proud of.Doll brought encouragement to everyone she met even during her courageous battle with cancer She never let go of her faith in the Lord.She was a blessing to me and my family and others.She made a special impact on so many lives (Mine for one) even when doctors gave up on her she still remained positive and kept giving her testimonies. Her goodness, her caring and her wisdom lives on like a legacy of love that will always be in our hearts forever Our condolences and deepest sympathy to Johnny, Mike,Quinton you were blessed to have such an amazing woman to call your Mother and l know Janiyah and Micah was blessed to have such an amazing woman to call Grandmother. Her memories and beautiful smile will be treasured in our hearts forever.She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.We love you Ms Leah Levonne and will miss you. Rest in Peace you are now in the arms of our Heavenly Father ❤️
12/06/2023

adah strum

The loss of a parent leaves a void that words cannot fill. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together, and may her memory bring you peace.
12/02/2023

Elder Hunter & Lady Hunter

Meant to say See you in that great getting up Morning. Rest well 💜. Charge it to my head not my heart
11/29/2023

Elder Hunter & Lady Hunter

My husband and I are very heartbroken in the lost of our dear friend,sister, most importantly she was a child of God. She will be greatly missed on this side of heaven praying for her Sons make they find peace in knowing how much of an impacted Leah has made on everyone life that knew her. Rest In Peace our beautiful Sister.We love you but God loves you more ❤️.See you in that great getting up money.
11/29/2023

Neicy Banks
11/28/2023

Angela

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Coats in the hospital. Her spiritual aura was one of a kind. Although I knew her for a short time, her love for the Lord shined through. Her faithful discipleship and mission to pray for others, give guidance and wisdom was beyond what she was going through. Ms. Coats was an Angel on earth that I was blessed to meet. She impacted my life forever. Dance, sing, rejoice and praise your King!
11/28/2023

Douglas Jones

I have known Dollbaby for many many years always been a very sweet and beautiful woman much love to her and her precious family I will definitely miss her ...Douglas Jones
11/28/2023

Lazenda

Such a sweet, kind and beautiful lady. Always had a smile on her face. Always encouraging and uplifting. She was loved and will be missed. Quinton I'm so sorry.
11/28/2023

Nae Manns Carson & Family

Such an amazing woman of GOD. Always kind ♥️ put on a program in Heaven Doll . 🙏 you will truly be missed down here . Beautiful lady💕
11/27/2023

Bobby Atha

RIP Baby Doll ... From Donna Powers n Bobby Atha neighbors from Summerlee back in the day!
11/25/2023

ellen leadbetter

Rest in peace Cuz Love YOU