Our Legacy: Rooted in Faith, Built in Community

The legacy of Collie Edison and Willie Tee Coats began on May 23, 1941, in Alamo, Georgia—rooted in faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to community. Collie, the son of Henry and Daisy Coats, and Willie Tee, the daughter of James Victor and Lillie Mae Turner, built a life together that would touch generations far beyond their own household.

Soon after their marriage, they relocated to Miami, Florida, where their home became the heart of a growing village. Together, they raised 17 children—10 sons, 4 daughters, and 3 beloved nieces—instilling values of love, service, hard work, and faith. Collie Edison labored as a construction worker throughout South Florida, while Willie Tee poured herself into her family and community as a devoted homemaker, PTA parent, missionary, Sunday School teacher, and neighborhood mother affectionately known as “Muh.” What they nurtured was more than a family—it was a network of care, compassion, and connection.

Collie Edison and Willie Tee were natural organizers and community builders. Alongside neighbors, they cleared land to create a playground so children could have a safe place to play—establishing the first Black park in their area. Their home was always open, meals were shared freely, and neighborhood children were welcomed as their own. Weekend fishing trips often turned into joyful fish fries that fed many, and during hard economic times, the community came together—sharing food, resources, and hope. They were known and respected for their kindness, integrity, and willingness to help.

Before his passing in 1972, Collie Edison used his carpentry skills to build multiple duplexes in South Dade, contributing to stability and opportunity in the community. One longtime resident reflected, “He was a blessing to the community.” After his death, Willie Tee became the family’s steady anchor. Her legacy shone through her selfless service and deep faith. She gave freely of her time, love, and wisdom, planting seeds of true Christianity—teaching her children to care for those in need and to live with gratitude. By the time of her passing in 2006, those lessons were firmly rooted in every heart she touched.

That foundation of faith and service continues today.

The Collie Edison and Willie Tee Coats family has remained actively engaged in uplifting the community—organizing and supporting initiatives such as holiday meal distributions, prison ministry, outreach to the sick and shut-in, youth mentoring through the Teen King Program, service during the Arthur McDuffie unrest, and disaster relief following Hurricane Andrew. Family members have led and managed community institutions, taught art and life skills, mentored youth, and served across sectors, including the military, healthcare, education, government, law enforcement, business, church ministries, and local civic leadership.

As the family humbly shares, “We are not a perfect family—but through our parents’ teachings of loving God and loving one another, we became a family they would be proud of.”

Today, the legacy of Collie Edison and Willie Tee Coats lives on through 17 children, more than 50 grandchildren, over 74 great-grandchildren, and 33 great-great-grandchildren—and through every life touched by the work of this Foundation.

Their story is our call to action.

By supporting this mission, you help carry forward a legacy built on faith, compassion, and community—ensuring that what began in one family continues to uplift many.