She and her husband have been residents of Cleveland for 40 years.
She was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Athens, and graduated from McMinn County High School in 1958.
A devoted follower of Christ, she exemplified love and grace as a precious wife, mother and grandmother, and was an inspiration and caring friend to many. She loved the church and devoted her life to serving God. She was retired from AT&T after 30 years of service.
She was a member of Faith Memorial Church for 42 years, where she was involved with the many programs that helped to meet the needs of others: coordinating the distribution of clothing and toys from the Storehouse for Needy, presenting honorary plaques and flowers, assisting the Rev. M.E. Littlefield with visitation, helping Larry Green with the children and providing financial assistance to every facet of Faith Memorial. She was also caregiver to the Rev. and Mrs. Littlefield. She was “Aunt Sue” to many, helping them in every way possible.
She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Boyd and Louise Gibbs of Athens; and three sisters: Joyce Terrace, Polly Ann Greene and Shelia Derrick Allen, all of McMinn County.
Survivors include her devoted husband of 52 years, Jack J. Cooley of Cleveland; daughter, Abby E. “Beth” Cooley of Cleveland; sons and daughters-in-law: Patrick J and Christi E. Cooley, both of Riceville, and Steve and Alesia Rogers, both of Cleveland; brother, Jack Gibbs of Whitesburg; beloved grandmother of eight; great-grandmother of three; several nieces and nephews; two brothers-in-law: Johnny Terrace of Athens and Robert Allen of Calhoun; and a host of many other family and friends.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at Faith Memorial Church with the Rev. David Riggs officiating.
Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Patrick Cooley, Steve Rogers, Michael Stalens II, Eugeno D’Andria, Steve Hartline Jr. and Robert Thomas serving as pallbearers.
A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 this evening at Fike Funeral Home and from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church prior to the service.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Cooley family guest book at www.fikefh.com.
