Gladys L. Coats

Gladys Lathrop Coats, 89, of Newberry, was born on November 14, 1934, in Saluda County to the late Daniel P. Lathrop and Bessie Crouch Lathrop. She went home to our Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Gladys was married to the late Harold R Coats.

Gladys was a country girl at heart and cherished her memories of growing up in rural Saluda and living a simple life. Although not rich with money, she would say she had what money could not buy, a hardworking, loving family. The sweet stories of her life were always available for anyone to hear. From dressing up her kitty cat in baby clothes to having her hair braided so tight she could not turn her head. The love would continue as she spoke of her marriage and her two girls, Rhonda Kay, and Suzanne. However, nothing made her prouder than to become MEME to first her twin grand girls and then to her 5 great grandchildren. Harold and Gladys always had four-legged family members as well, rescued and loved beyond measure.

Gladys was predeceased by her sisters Faye White Heath and Nora Laverne Hawkins and her nephew Wade Hawkins. She was also predeceased by her cherished son-in-law, James David Shealy.

She leaves behind: Rhonda Kay Shealy and Gracie, Suzanne Summer and John, Holly Lee and Paislee, Cadie Bodie and Joey, Evelyn, Jamison, and Nathaniel, Martin Summer and Lauren and Georgia. Loved nephew and nieces and cousins Gloria C Franklin and Melba C Arthur and Sherill E Hendrix.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of John and Suzanne Summer's

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Newberry County Animal Shelter, 240 Newberry Works Drive, Newberry, SC 29108.

A special thanks to Jesse Frank Hawkins Nursing home, she loved you all so much. The family would also like to thank Spencer Lovelace and Alexis Kibler at Lovelace Family Medicine for your outstanding care.