Melissa Faulk Coates

Abbeville - A Memorial Service for Ms. Melissa Faulk Coates, 58, will be held at 9:00AM, on Friday, November, 21, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville with Deacon Tim Marcantel officiating. Inurnment will follow at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Military Cemetery in Jennings.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 8:00AM until 9:00AM, on Friday, November, 21, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville.

Melissa Faulk Coates, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Born on June 15, 1967, in Morgan City, Melissa filled the world around her with vibrant energy and a warmth that effortlessly drew others into her orbit. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Melissa exemplified a strong work ethic and natural talent, earning numerous accolades throughout her service, including ribbons, medals, and certificates. Her commitment extended beyond her military achievements; she was also known for her creativity, which flourished in her passion for writing and journaling. Whether planting peppers in her garden or crafting new stories in her notebooks, Melissa's artistic spirit resonated deeply. Melissa's love for life was apparent to all, especially during her annual trips to Disney, where she delighted in the rides and cherished moments of joy with friends and family. A dedicated coffee aficionado and a keen follower of fashion trends, she inspired her nieces with her spirited approach to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Her infamous closet purges became a cherished annual event, filled with laughter and the sharing of treasured items. Her talents extended to music, where she showcased her abilities as a drum major in high school, and skillfully played the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. She had an infectious sense of humor, eagerly anticipating April Fools’ Day to share her whimsical pranks, further solidifying her reputation as the brightest person in the room. In her personal life, Melissa embraced the joys of motherhood, fostering several children before adopting two of her own. Her selfless acts and unwavering love for her family were the hallmarks of her character, permeating her relationships and nurturing an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. Her engaging presence, infectious laughter, and generous spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Melissa Faulk Coates leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and laughter, reminding us to embrace life’s adventures and cherish our loved ones.

Melissa is survived by her mother, Juanita Justilien Faulk; sons, Charles Aaron Coates and his fiancé, Blake Broussard, and Ryan Matthew Coates; daughter, Trinity Anne Coates and her fiancé, Nicholas Broussard; brother, Joseph “Jay” Clifford Faulk; sister-in-law, Angie Theriot Faulk; three grandchildren, Charlotte Mae Broussard, Eloise Claire Broussard, and Lucille Catherine Broussard; two nieces, Jessica Ann Faulk and Jennifer Faulk Sanders and her husband Jeremiah; one godchild, Alicia Faulk Dunn; and the father of her children, James Edward Coates.

She is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Clifford Faulk, Sr.; her son, Cody Allen Coates; maternal grandparents, Eldré Justilien and Delpha Stevens Justilien; paternal grandparents, John Hanson Faulk and Dula Simon Faulk.

Honorary pallbearers will be her sons, Charles Coates and Ryan Coates.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville will be handing the arrangements. 2600 Charity St. (337) 893-3777