Maurice Orando Coes

Maurice O. Coes was born July 9, 1949, in Eastman, Georgia (Dodge County) to Eufaula and Lee Coes. He was reared under the watchful eyes of his grandparents, Clara and Mack Smith along with a long line of uncles, aunts and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, grandmother, and his father. Maurice spent his early years laughing, playing, and going to church with his grandmother. Later he moved to Miami, Florida, where he would matriculate through the Miami Public School System. Maurice joined the band while in junior high where he was introduced to the trombone; this kindled his love of music. He then went to Miami Jackson High School and became a drum major. He graduated in 1968. He attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia where he would pledge Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and was initiated in the Gamma Beta Chapter in May 1971. He was the President of his line and held many leadership roles during his matriculation at Paine College, from which he graduated in 1973. He gained the nickname, Socrates during his pledge period when the frat brothers discovered that much like the Greek philosopher, Socrates he had a philosophical opinion on everything. Maurice attended and completed Tyler Barber College in Chicago, IL on July 9, 1969, and worked for a time as a professional barber. Maurice served his country by joining the United States Army in 1975, where he worked as a Medical Specialist (Medic). He was honorably discharged in 1978. Maurice had a wide variety of past times, including playing chest, watching his favorite TV westerns and sports. He also enjoyed bowling, traveling, listening to his beloved music and had a passion for teaching stepping classes; later he specialized in teaching stepping classes for seniors. Maurice was a dedicated State employee. He began his career in 1978 with the Illinois Department of Public Aid as a case worker III. In 1979, he traveled on to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, beginning as a Social Worker I, at the East Area Office. His initial DCFS team was composed of ALL new hires, and they were a tight knit bunch! He remained friends with most of them “till the end.” He served the next 16 years as a case worker and was promoted to Child Welfare Specialist III. In 1995 he left the Department of Children and Family Services. However, he returned to work there from 1998 until 2004. His final employment with the State was with the Department of Human Services, which he retired from in 2008. Maurice leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Eufaula Frazier, the love of his life, Ruby McGahee, his brothers Nolan Frazier (Debbie) and Edwin Frazier and sisters Michelle Frazier and Sherrene Johnson, nephews, Nolan Bob Frazier Jr., Trevares Frazier Charles Johnson, Martavis Frazier, nieces, Margette Stovall (Nathaniel), Melissa Frazier, Markiva Frazier, Ebony Frazier, Joy Frazier, Renea Johnson and Shontay Stanley (Tyron), aunts, Dorothy Larkin, Gladys White and Maxiel Thomas, God children, Paul Thomas (Latisha), Andre Scott (Diana), Aisha Smith, Tarik Smith (Iris), Daniel Smith Jr., Shani Walton (A.C.), bonus nephews, Quintin Mitchell, David Johnson, Michael Mitchell, Tyrell Clavalle, bonus nieces, Shezelle Mitchell, Nicole Johnson, and Jasmine Mitchell and a host of cousins and friends.

Maurice Orando Coes

July 9, 1949 - August 1, 2023