June 21, 94, Goldsboro
Ella (goddess) Lee Howard Coley was born August 31, 1925 in Nash County to Willie and Bessie Howard. Mother Coley was proceeded in death by her husband Richard “Bud” Coley parents, siblings: Sissy, Ruby, Sugardot, W.H., Romes, Vester, and Caroline. She was also preceded in death by her grandson Corey Coley. In 1947, Mother Coley was approached by a stranger in a bus station in Wilson, NC. The slim, tall brown man wanted to know her name. “What’s your name” he inquired. Willingly, she gave it. These words were the beginning of a decades old love story. Together, Richard and Ella Lee met the challenges of this life. Together, they worked to pay bills and save together. They engaged in politics, they talked, fought, they loved. Together they raised 5 children, they laughed and today, together they rest. Thank you Momma…
Mrs. Ella Lee Coley Howard, age 94, of Goldsboro, NC transitioned from earthly labor to heavenly reward on Sunday, June 21 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. A Graveside Service will be held Friday at 12 Noon at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Princeton, NC with Apostle Diane McIntyre officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Richard “Bud ” Coley and a grandson Corey D. Coley. She leaves to cherish her precious memories daughters Brenda Coley Sutton (Travis) of Goldsboro, NC, Wanda Coley Thompson (Joseph) of Brooklyn, NY and Jacqueline Coley Barnes of Goldsboro, NC; sons Richard Coley III (Gloria) of Jackson Heights, Douglas Coley (Eva) of Clayton, NC; one sister Magdalene Greenfield of Goldsboro, NC; grandsons Richard Coley IV (Franceska) of Jackson Heights, Larry Barnes (Whitney) of Goldsboro, NC, Quentin Barnes of Greenville, NC and Jamal Joseph of Brooklyn, NY; three great grandchildren Aisja Barnes, Destany Barnes and Quentavius Barnes; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A very special thanks to Brian Center and Kitty Askins Hospice Center and The Bridge Church and special Friends Ms. Bobbie Wiggs, Whitney Pendergraft, Elder Michael Yelverton and Eldress Linda Yelverton.
