Obituaries

Margaret Luella Coates passed from this life to her eternal home on June 10, 2026, in Sherman, Texas, surrounded by family. Visitation will be held at Dannel Funeral Home on June 15, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A memorial service celebrating Margaret’s life will immediately follow, Brother Welton Stoker officiating. Margaret was born on August 1, 1935, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to E. James and Gussie Wilson. Since her father died at an early time in her life, Margaret was raised for several years by her maternal grandparents, Abe and Eva Hayes. Margaret enjoyed growing up on the family farm surrounded by her loving mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Since Margaret was an only child, she especially enjoyed growing up with her cousins, Sally and Jane, who were like sisters to her.

Margaret’s interests were varied. While in high school at Barnsdall 55 and Sperry (OK), Margaret played basketball on various teams that her mother coached. She was elected homecoming queen and Future Farmers of America queen while attending Broken Arrow High School. After graduating from Broken Arrow High School in 1953, Margaret attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the University of Arkansas and the University of Houston. While in Houston, Margaret worked at Braniff Airlines where she met her first husband, James L. (“Bill”) Durrett. They later married in Oklahoma. After they married, Margaret continued her education at Dallas Baptist University where she received her Bachelors in Education. One of Margaret’s greatest joys was team teaching with her mother in Midlothian, Texas. Margaret and Bill were married for 43 years until Bill’s passing in 2002. Margaret was extremely proud of her two children, Kim and Joel. When she was not busy helping Bill with the family home improvement and siding business, Margaret could be found spending time with her children at their various events.

Margaret gave much of her time to the community. She volunteered regularly at the Key Memorial Thrift Shop. She also was a long-standing member of Soroptimist and served as president for two years. She was frequently in charge of organizing the food and gift drives for Soroptimist at Thanksgiving and Christmas for less fortunate families in the Sherman
community.

After Bill passed away, Margaret met James (“Jim”) Kalb, and they married in 2003. They remained married until his sudden passing in 2008. Margaret and Jim enjoyed traveling together and spending time with friends and family.

In 2010, Margaret reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Russell Coates. They married in 2011 and enjoyed sharing memories and attending local theater. They remained married until his passing on May 18, 2026, just three weeks prior to her passing.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, E. James and Gussie Wilson; grandparents, Abe and Eva Hayes; her husbands, Bill Durrett, Jim Kalb, and Russell Coates; her daughter, Kim Durrett; her son, Joel Durrett; and her dear cousins, Jane Hayes, Sally Chrisman, and Jerry Metzger.

Her legacy and memory will live on through her daughter-in-law, Aileen Durrett; cousins, John and Susan Chrisman; Benetta Yaeger; Dick Hayes; David Hayes; Betsy Snider; Paula Emery; Homer Emery; Betty Allbright; Jason Judd; Evalee Cobb; Peggy Cobb; Judy Cobb; Abe Cobb; and Ben Cobb; niece and nephew, Diane and Eddie Walker; dear and trusted friends who made living at home possible and comfortable until the end, Kathy Scasny and Maria Rodriguez; step-sons, Lonny, Jimmy, and Greg and their respective wives and children; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and her beloved dog, Abby.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all of the caregivers, especially Patricia Blaze and Annie Ezell, and to Home Hospice of Grayson County.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, Margaret requested that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Although Margaret suffered losing three husbands and both of her children, she always maintained her faith, sense of humor, and zest for life. Her wit, love, and friendship will be missed. Her memory is a blessing.