Mrs. Venita Carese Cooley

Venita Carese Cooley was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Friend, and a woman that emulated a vivacious spirit. She was born to Jean Haggins and Robert Knox on May 19, 1950, in Springfield, OH. Her mother Jean, died of Scarlet Fever when Venita was 8 months old and she was raised by her Grandmother, Thelma Haggins and Mitchell Carr. Her parents died in 1970 and 1973, respectively.

As an only child, Venita was a tomboy who ran around with the Smith Family (5-neighborhood girls). This is where her love of sports started and birthed the beginning of nurturing friendships that turned into family. In 1968, Venita, graduated from Springfield South High School where she participated as a debutant and cheerleader for the varsity sports teams. After high school, Venita moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career. Unfortunately, her modeling dreams were deferred due to her mother's illness. In 1969, Venita then enrolled in Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. While at Central State University she met her husband, Roscoe Cooley. Venita and Roscoe were married in November 1971 and were married more than 51 years and have two daughters.

Venita, retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of service in 2008. In her 30 years of service, Venita was able to transfer several times (Gary, IN, Houston, TX, Belle Mead, NJ, Houston, TX) to support her husband's career advancements. In her typical fashion, she made the best of every new situation we lived in and ensured her children had everything they needed to thrive in the new environment. Of course, along the way we added to our family with new friends. However, when it was time to begin her new life as a retiree, she rejoiced and took to it like a fish to water.

After her retirement, Venita spent most of her time traveling, enjoying water-aerobics, walking, watching sports and watching her TV shows. Weekends were dedicated to watching college football on Saturday and NFL football (except the Dallas Cowboys) on Sunday.

Venita's family were always her priority and life's joy. She leaves her husband of nearly 52 years, Roscoe Cooley to cherish her memory. In addition to her two daughters Ayanna Renee Jones (Bobby Van) of Pooler, GA and Tamikia Rachele Cooley of Houston, TX, she is survived by her grandson Naji Cooley (Terosha) of Statesboro, GA, great grandson Nasir Cooley of Pooler, GA. She is also survived by her Aunt Barbara Byrd (Raymond - deceased) of Cleveland, OH and cousins Patricia Brim of Cleveland, OH, Mildred Brim (deceased), LeRoy Brim (deceased) of Cleveland, OH, Sharon Kuthrell (Robert - deceased) of Willowbrook, IL, Renee Johnson (Charles) of Cleveland, OH and Hope Greathouse (John) Cleveland, OH and countless other cousins and family. Venita was "Auntie V" to so many, as she believed in nurturing friendships and bringing them into the family.

Finally, Venita demonstrated more courage than I ever knew she had throughout her illness and especially during the last days and hours of her life. We are so proud of her and may her courage and spirit live on inside us forever.