Donald Thomas Coley

Obituary

“I heard a voice from Heaven say to me come

unto me and rest.”

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, our loved one, Donald Coley, answered God’s call and passed to eternal life.

He was born December 25, 1950, in Newton, Georgia. His mother, Patsy raised Donald Coley and his four brothers, in Newton, Georgia.

As a young boy, his mother moved Donald and his four brothers, the late Curtis Williams, the late Brooker Coley, the late Lorenzo Coley, and Scottie Coley, to Thomasville, Georgia. Donald joined Clifford Temple AME Church as a young boy, where he was an active member.

Donald graduated from Douglass High School, class of 1968. Donald was an excellent student; as a result, he received an academic scholarship to attend Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. At Duke, Donald was very active in the political events of the day. Upon leaving Duke, Donald joined the US Army, where he served honorably as a medic in the Vietnam War. After his military service, Donald held various positions in the auto industry. Later in life, Donald received a Divinity Degree and returned home to Thomasville to help care for his ailing mother. For the few years prior to his death, Donald struggled with major health issues.

Donald leaves behind: his wife, Paula of Atlanta, GA; brother, Scott Coley (Mary) of Bolingbrook, IL; loving sisters-in-law, Mrs. Vera Williams of Thomasville, GA, Mrs. Jean Coley of Albany, GA, Mrs. Joanne Coley of Albany, and Mrs. Mae Anderson Coley of Miami, FL; two uncles, Zeddie Coley of Cleveland, OH, and Robert Coley of Washington, DC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.