Curtis Junious Coates

September 1, 1981 – January 20, 2026

Curtis was born on September 1, 1981, in Detroit, Michigan, alongside his twin brother, Chrisel Junious Coates, to Sharon Coates and Curtis Thomas. Known affectionately as "Twin" throughout the neighborhood, Curtis shared a bond with his brother that was inseparable and lifelong. He was also lovingly known as "Curt" to family and friends.

Curtis was raised between his mother's home and the home of his grandparents, Mattie Lee and Curtis Thomas. On his father's side, he shared one sister, Rochelle Nicole Thomas ("Nikki"). On his mother's side, he was one of seven sons, including his twin, with three older brothers—David, Demarco, and Dontrell—and two younger brothers, Carl and Robert.

Curtis loved old school R&B, especially Luther Vandross and Anita Baker, and enjoyed Black cinema from the 1980s and beyond. A man of intellect and spiritual depth, he was raised in the church, studied the Bible extensively, and in later years dedicated himself to the spiritual teachings of the Hebrew Israelites.

In January 2024, Curtis was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He fought tirelessly through a demanding medical journey and was approved for a lung transplant in November 2025. His determination was deeply influenced by the loss of his twin brother Chrisel in April 2021, following complications from COVID-19. Curtis honored his brother's memory through discipline, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his own care.

Above all else, Curtis was deeply loved. He shared a profound love with his wife, Jennifer—a love story that began in middle school, endured years apart, and reunited during a moment of loss in 2021. As his wife, Jennifer was his fiercest advocate, attending every medical appointment and standing beside him through every challenge. Their bond was rooted in friendship, loyalty, and a love that never wavered.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the ILD/Pulmonary Clinic (K17), the Transplant Clinic (K16), and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team at Henry Ford Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and dedication, and for giving Curtis the invaluable gift of time with his loved ones.

Curtis passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 44 in Detroit, Michigan, after a courageous and prolonged battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by his wife and family. Curtis will be remembered for his heart, his intellect, his love of music, his spiritual depth, and the way he showed up fully for those he loved. The family finds peace knowing that he is no longer suffering and that his journey home included a joyous reunion with his twin brother and best friend, Chrisel.

Curtis is survived by his wife Jennifer; his stepson Ronnie; his siblings David, Nikki, Demarco, Dontrell, Carl, and Robert; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from the Southwest Detroit community. He is preceded in death by his mother Sharon Coates; his twin brother Chrisel Junious Coates; his father Curtis Thomas; and his grandparents Mattie Lee and Curtis Thomas Sr.