Teruko "Terry" Coates was born Teruko Saito on October 19, 1930. She was raised in the town of Otaru, in the prefecture of Hokkaido, an island in northern Japan. In English, her name means" Sun is shining," which is so appropriate.

When Terry smiled, the warmth and love of Christ in her heart would light her face, blessing those around her with God's love.

A World War II survivor, Terry served her country for three years when she was just a high school student.  She and her classmates did various jobs to replace the male workforce, which was conscripted into combat. For two years, she worked on farms, planting and harvesting vegetables, and wrapping young apples in paper (to protect them from insects), among other tasks.  In her third year, she searched the beaches of Hokkaido for washed-up munitions that could be recycled for the war effort.

Terry was a businesswoman. After immigrating to the U.S., she owned and operated a hair salon in California and later in Florida. She loved working and didn't retire until she was 70, and then only because the doctor warned she might lose her feet (due to poor circulation and standing all day, making it worse).

Terry was raised as a Buddhist but always felt called by God. She knew from a young age that there must be something more. Her faith journey began as a member of the Mormon/LDS church, but when she walked through the doors of First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, she said she found Jesus. She was baptized shortly afterward.

Terry was devoted to her church and church family, serving for years as a Sunday School assistant for children and as founder/co-leader of the adult International Class at First Baptist Church, Daytona. After retiring, she enjoyed serving on short-term missions with the church, traveling to Ukraine, South Africa, and other locations. She took her calling to share the gospel seriously, sharing the good news with most everyone she met.

Terry was a proud member of City Light Church of Port Orange, joining the church plant (from Providence Church, Ormond Beach) as a founding member in 2022.

While she had no children of her own, her niece, Chieko Hoki, and nephew, Masahiro Koyama, were like a daughter and son to her.

Terry's greatest joy was her Lord and Savior. She was anxious to meet Jesus and reminded him daily, as she outlived her family and friends, to "no forget her." On July 29, 2025 Jesus called her home, and today she is rejoicing with Him.

Terry was predeceased by her husband William "Bill" Coates.  She is survived by her niece, Chieko, of Dallas, Texas, and nephew, Masahiro, of Sapporo, Japan, and their families, and by many close friends and church family members.