Kay Coates (Martin) Sweat

Kay Coates Martin Sweat of Savannah, 80 died July 11, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, surrounded by her family.  

Kay was a lifelong resident of Liberty County, except when she moved to follow her family to the Atlanta area and Savannah area.  She was born in Savannah on December 12, 1941, to Wallace Fleming Martin Jr. and Marian Lee Coates Martin.  Kay was a 1959 graduate of Bradwell Institute and received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and Master’s and Education Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University.  Kay was a retired second grade teacher for many years at Brittin Elementary on Fort Stewart.

Kay lived a wonderfully full and blessed life, not only for what she was given, but for what she gave. She was an independent spirit and lived an authentic life. Kay was best known for her fierce loyalty to her friends and family. She loved the color purple, native plants, genealogy, traveling, all things Scottish and most of all, her family.  Kay leaves behind a legacy of love in her two daughters and five grandchildren.

Kay was a daughter, tomboy, avid animal lover, Flemington Martin, lover of water/nicknamed “Porpoise”, Bradwell Lion, Georgia Bulldog, Alpha Xi Delta Sister, artist, philanthropist, mother, second-generation educator, homemaker, matriarch, explorer, Midway Church descendant, historian, world-class shopper, adventurer, Master Gardener, Disciple, crafter, bridge player, deviled egg queen, coleslaw connoisseur, loyal friend, personal cheerleader and “Beemama”.

More than anything, Kay lived for her family. She loved her daughters and grandchildren fiercely. When her daughters were young she made Halloween costumes, led Girl Scout troops, encouraged, supported and facilitated both of their interests and hobbies and showed them the world with travel.  Known to her grandchildren as “Beemama,” she attended every possible sporting event and dance recital. Kay made birthday cakes and celebrated every holiday by sending care packages, and other thoughtful gestures, always making sure her five grandchildren knew they were important, special, and her priority.  She indulged her grandchildren to a fantastic degree.  No grandchild’s imagination or desire was ever not fulfilled.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother Wallace Fleming Martin III.

She is survived by daughter Jill Vandenbos and Marian Elaine Smith of Savannah, GA; Grandchildren, Connor Vandenbos (Aly Scurlock) of San Diego, CA; Will Vandenbos of Peachtree Corners, GA; Caroline Vandenbos of Kennesaw, GA; Julia Smith and Amelia Smith of Savannah, GA.  Also, Kay valued her loyal friends Harriet Smith and Launa Seymore.  

Honorary Pallbearers are Connor Vandenbos, Will Vandenbos, Lee Martin, Derek White, Neil Smith and Mike Vandenbos.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 14th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Flemington, with a celebration of life service at 4:00 PM. Kay was a vibrant person, and all attending are encouraged to wear their favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Coastal Pet Rescue in Savannah (www.CoastalPetRescue.org).   

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home, Flemington, is in charge of arrangements.

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