Diane Hekking Coates, beloved matriarch of the Hekking Clan, second only to the indomitable Rosemary Hartwell, left this earth on Monday, April 14, 2025. She did so with grace, grit, and likely a sharp comment or two whispered to the wind.
Born the first of five siblings, Diane now reunites with her brother Mike, no doubt swapping stories and sharing a table stacked with Key Lime Pies. She leaves behind her siblings Carol (Charlie), Gary (Gerry), and Gail, who will miss her fiercely, laugh loudly in her honor, and carry her memory with pride. She was surely greeted by Rosemary and Joseph Hartwell with a warm embrace, and danced in by Don Coates, her partner of 25 years and father to the Coates kids.
The Hekkings made their mark in Columbia, South Carolina, attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School, and Cardinal Newman. Diane attended the University of South Carolina, where she met and married Don. They had five children—Donald (Katie), Kristin (Nate), Joshua (Emily), Jacob (Caroline), and Michael—each carrying a spark of her wit, her resolve, and her fierce love for family. She would no doubt insist we mentioned Michael Hines, a “fifth son,” who has been woven into our lives for over 45 years and was devotedly by her side in her final weeks.
The Coates home was many things: loud, lived-in, a makeshift doctor’s office, and most importantly, a haven. Diane’s open-door policy meant friends became family, and each new spouse, partner, and grandchild was welcomed with open arms, genuine warmth, and love. Her grandchildren Kieran, Owen, Maggie, Eli, and Cash were the joy of her life. Her nieces and nephews, who lovingly called her “Aunt D,” adored and revered her and will miss her every day.
After earning her degree from MUSC and crafting a career she was incredibly proud of, Diane retired to the mountains—first to Black Mountain, then to Hendersonville, NC—where she shared quiet days (and loud games) with her daughter Kristin, son-in-law Nate, and grandson Cash. She continued to keep her door open, her table filled, and her heart full for family and friends. Lifelong friends Kathy and Dickie Trice were constant companions, cheering on the Gamecocks and savoring the sweet stuff in life.
Diane had a mind as sharp as her wit which was honest with a big dash of sarcasm. She believed in constant growth, and spent her life learning, improving, and showing by example what it meant to be determined and compassionate. She led with intelligence and intention and was proud of her career, home, and relationships, but nothing lit her up like her family.
Per her wishes, Diane has been cremated. In time, and with thoughtful planning, we’ll gather to celebrate her life loudly, lovingly, and with plenty of laughter.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Diane’s honor to one of these incredible organizations that made an everlasting impact on her and her family’s life.
Memory Care helps families navigate Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease https://memorycare.org/supporting-memorycare/ways-to-give/
The Elizabeth House supports families and patients toward a beautiful and peaceful end of life transition
https://fourseasonsfdn.org/ways-to-give/give-today/
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Coates family.