In Loving Memory of JoAnn Coates Anderson Gray

JoAnn Coates Gray, 82, had a dignified and graceful passing on December 23rd, 2022, taking her last breath with her three children at her side. She was able to visit with her children, grandchildren, siblings and participate in her last rites. She is now in the warm comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ.

JoAnn was born in the Irish Channel of New Orleans and lived in Colorado, Mississippi and Houston, returning to St Tammany, Louisiana to be closer to family.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, John Coates Sr. and Lorraine Sabathe Coates, and her husband of 35 years, Dan Gray. She is survived by her two sons, Herbert W. Anderson Jr. (Jane) and David W. Anderson (Una), and her daughter, Suzanne Anderson Bush and her seven grandchildren, Neil Anderson (Sarah), Emily Anderson Chambon (Brendan), Blake and Christine Anderson, Jamie Rogers (Casey), Juliane Betz and Richard A. Bush IV (Sara, and Evian and Milan Ordonez), and four great grandchildren, Olivia and James Anderson, Eleanor and Jude Chambon. She is also survived by six siblings, her brothers John Coates Jr. “J.C.”, Frank, Wayne, Gary and Glen Coates and sister Lorraine “Cookie” Coates Mullinax. She leaves behind many close friends, nephews, nieces and cousins. JoAnn had the rare gift of being able to share and receive love. Her family and friends always knew she loved them.

JoAnn and Dan traveled the world, taking special delight in France, Germany and Ireland. For the last two decades of her life, JoAnn made the Northshore her home and was active in the Northshore Republican Women’s Association and Northshore Newcomers. She owned and operated Maison Rêve, a bed and breakfast in Folsom for 20 years, where she hosted many celebrations and taught gourmet Bon Temps cooking classes.

JoAnn’s services will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans on Friday, January 6th with visitation from 12 noon to 1 pm with a Mass immediately following. A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm. The Mass will be live-streamed at YouTube.com/HNJChurchNewOrleans. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made at ourlittleroses.org in memory of JoAnn Gray. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.greenwoodfh.com