Shirley Ann (JACKSON) Coley

Shirley Ann Jackson Coley was born on March 28, 1932, to the late Jesse and Pearl Jackson.  She was one of nine children, four who preceded her in death. 

     At an early age, Shirley confessed for belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized at East Mount Zion Church. She remained a faithful member until her death.

     After graduating from Central High School in 1950 and showing an early interest in music and educating children, Shirley attended the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music where she received her degree in music in 1954.  While attending Baldwin Wallace, she became of member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on November 11, 1953, Omega Chapter.

    Shirley met and married the love of her life, Zeddie D. Coley, on October 8, 1955. They were married for 65 years sharing a love for music, family and friends.  To this union two daughters were born, Carma Marie Coley and Cynthia Elaine Coley-Anderson.  Her love for music was felt throughout the Cleveland communities.  Shirley would gather individuals around the family piano to have sing-alongs with the neighborhood children, would play the piano for various occasions for churches and other organizations and was eager to sing whenever asked. She loved music of all genres from jazz to classical to gospel.

    Shirley was employed with the Cleveland Public Schools system until she retired in 1993.  While there, she taught kindergarten and an early intervention program preparing young children for kindergarten.

Shirley also enjoyed a love for sewing bec0ming an accomplished seamstress sewing for others.  She owned her own ‘business’, sewing fashions from dresses to costumes, making alterations and more for her customers.   

     At the time of her death, Shirley had experienced 21 years of dementia.  During this time, she was well cared for, especially by Tawanda Demmings..

     Shirley Coley departed this life on Monday, July 19, 2021 at her home in Cleveland.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Pearl Jackson, two brothers, Jesse Jr. and Kenneth Jackson and two sisters, Jean Butler and Kathryn Jackson.  In addition to her husband, Zeddie Coley, she leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters Carma Coley and Cynthia Coley-Anderson (Alonzo); one brother, Ralph Jackson (Pam); three sisters, Geraldine McSwain (Ellis), Merle Jackson and Frances Jackson; five grandchildren, Christopher, Ephren, Alexandria, Alexander (Lynnetta) and Ashlee; three great-children, Joanae, Aaliyah and Emma, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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