Shawn Marie Coates , beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the presence of friends and family on June 2, 2025, at the age of 53.

Born on July 14, 1971, to Sydney and Barbara Banks at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.  Shawn was raised in Temple Hills, Maryland, where she brought joy and laughter to everyone she encountered. She attended Green Valley Elementary, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, and graduated from Crossland High School in 1989. Shawn later dedicated many years of service to the field of customer care, working at GEICO, where her kindness, patience, and lively spirit made her a favorite among both colleagues and customers. She was recognized multiple years for her outstanding attendance.

From a young age, Shawn was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she nurtured her faith—something that remained close to her heart throughout her life. She loved reading her Bible and always found strength in the Lord.

Shawn was formerly married to Everett Coates for 27 years and from that union came her three greatest joys—her children: Darnell, Sean, and Candice. Though their paths later diverged, she and Everett remained connected through the love of their family.

Shawn's passions were simple and full of love: she enjoyed dancing, singing, spending quality time with her family, and relaxing with a coloring book or a crossword puzzle. She loved watching the Washington Redskins/Commanders play and only missed a game to listen to her favorite DJ play music, DJ DEC (son Darnell).  She could often be found catching up on her favorite shows and surrounded by many pairs of reading glasses.

What brought Shawn the most joy was her daily phone calls. Despite the fact that she was battling Multiple Sclerosis, she loved checking in on everyone else.  She would call and ask her son Sean, a police officer, "So, what bad guys did you arrest today?" and eagerly listen to his stories. She loved asking her daughter Candice, a teacher, "How were the kids today?" just to hear about the students who filled the classroom. Shawn would call her mother to say, "Mommy, I'm just checking on you."   These conversations were the highlight of her day and when anyone asked how Shawn was doing, she would always say, "I'm fine" or "I'm wonderful".

Over the last year, Shawn's fight with her illness bought her to Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehab in Glen Allen, VA.  The nurses would often tell her family what a joy Shawn was to everyone in the facility.  She was described as a rare gem that brought smiles and laughter to anyone she spoke with, making hearts lighter and days brighter.

Shawn is preceded in death by her father, Sydney Banks, her sister, Kathy Banks and her best friend, Sandy Freeman.

She is survived by her loving mother, Barbara Banks of Temple Hills, Maryland; her cherished children, Darnell Coates and Sean Coates, both of Fredericksburg, VA and Candice Coates of Richmond, VA; her adored grandson, Camden Coates; her devoted siblings, Deborah L. Brown of Temple Hills, MD, Elisha Banks of Los Angeles, CA, and Keith Banks of Stanton, VA; her treasured niece, Jordyn Freeman of Las Vegas, NV; and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

To all who knew her, Shawn will be remembered for her radiant smile, her reassuring words and her unwavering love for her family and faith. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to inspire love, resilience, and joy in all who were blessed to know her.  Most of all, Shawn never believed in goodbyes.  As she would often say, "Don't say bye—say see you later."  And with faith in God's promise, her children lovingly say, we will, Mom… we'll see you again one day.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 4611 Sheriff Road NE, Washington, DC, 20019, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment will be held at Laurel Hill Memorial Park, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA, 22553, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM.