Pastor Shirley Ann Coates

Pastor Shirley A. Coates, 74, of South Bend, Indiana transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, August 15, 2019. Shirley was born to Apostle Willie Coates Sr. and his wife, Fannie Mae Coates on December 8, 1944.

Her father and mother set a profound, enduring example of love and service to all people. Apostle and Fannie Coates started Emmanuel Deliverance Church of God in Christ in 1959. They developed ministries to address the spiritual and social problems they witnessed in the community.

At the early age of 8 years old, Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and knew she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. Shirley eventually accepted the mantle of Pastor of Emmanuel Deliverance Church and continued the work started by her parents. She dedicated her life to ministry, providing leadership, and always willing to reach beyond racial, economic and denominational boundaries to help those in need. 

Under her leadership, Emmanuel's doors were open six days a week doing everything from helping people find housing, feeding the hungry, caring for children, to ministering to the souls of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. She believed that support and compassion were essential ingredients in any form of treatment.

Pastor Shirley also worked on social justice issues including improving education, economic development, immigration issues, anti-violence initiatives, and led on HIV/AIDS awareness in the South Bend area. She was active with local organizations including Transforming Action Through Power (TAP), Urban League of South Bend and St Joseph County, John 3:16 Ministries, and University of Notre Dame.

As a tireless servant leader, Shirley hosted Empowerment Saturdays, a live radio broadcast, that gave the community voice to the leaders of South Bend. Shirley’s legacy lives on in the seeds she planted and the lives she touched.

Her life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Pastor Jerry L. Maynard, II, Evangelist Misha A. Maynard, Michael C. Maynard, of Nashville, Tennessee, and David S. Maynard, of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren: Jamille Maynard, Stavon Williams, Maleke Maynard, Asia Maynard, Jordan Maynard, Keland Maynard; great-grandchildren: Carson Maynard, Skye Williams, Serenity Williams, and Saige Williams. Shirley is also survived by her siblings: Ivill A. Coates of Indianapolis, Indiana and Pastor Willie (Jolene) Coates Jr., of South Bend, Indiana.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents: Apostle Willie Coates Sr. and Fannie Mae Coates; and grandson: Scott Williams, Jr.

Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends. Flowers are welcome; and may be sent to Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ, 1025 W. Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana.

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