Zeddie D. Coley

Zeddie Coley Obituary Zeddie Delano Coley was born on June 24, 1933, in Albany, Georgia, to Mary Frances Hill Coley and Ashley Coley. He was one of 10 siblings, the baby boy of the family. Zeddie was so proud of the 1953 educational film, All My Babies: A Midwife’s Own Story, written about his mother. The film was used to educate midwives in Georgia and throughout the South to promote a greater cooperation between midwifery and the modern health system. Thus began his love for education. Baptized at an early age, Zeddie confessed a belief in the God that guided him throughout his life. He always spoke about God and how He kept him along his life’s journey. To Zeddie, family was everything. He would reach out to them whenever and wherever they found themselves. He was most proud of his grandchildren and great-granddaughters celebrating their successes. After graduating from high school, Zeddie enrolled in Albany State College (Albany, Georgia), graduating in 1953. While attending ASU, Zeddie was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Delta Delta Chapter on May 10, 1952. He remained active in his fraternity after moving to Cleveland. Zeddie served in the military from July 1953 to 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1961. While serving in the army, he became a part of the military band playing the clarinet. Zeddie was a 32nd degree mason belonging to Excelsior Lodge #11. On New Year’s Eve of 1954, Zeddie met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Jackson. Their love for music brought them closer together. They married on October 8, 1955. Both were active members of East Mount Zion Baptist Church throughout their marriage. To this union were born two beautiful daughters, Carma Marie Coley and Cynthia Elaine Coley-Anderson. As a couple Zeddie and Shirley lspent many years traveling the United States with family and friends. Zeddie and Shirley remained dedicated to each other until her departure from life in July of 2021. In 1964, Zeddie and the family moved to Walden Avenue, where he served as president of the Walden Avenue Street Club for over fifteen years. As president of the street club, it was his mission to make Walden Avenue the most picturesque street in the Lee-Harvard community. Because of love for family and community, he became active in the Lee-Harvard Community. He became known as the ‘mayor’ of Lee-Harvard, receiving many honors for this contributions and service. Zeddie began his teaching career in 1955, teaching science in Cleveland Public Schools. He ended his career as an administrative liaison in East Cleveland Public Schools. Throughout the years he kept in touch with many of his students, sharing in their successes, exchanging humorous stories and offering advice. After retiring in 1984, he returned to his love for horticulture and landscaping. It was his desire to have the ‘most well-manicured lawn’ in the city. As an avid gardener, he planted a garden every summer, sharing vegetables with neighbors and the community at- large. He extended that knowledge of gardening teaching children in the community the importance of eating fresh fruits a mnd vegetable to remain heathy. When the health of his love Shirley, began to decline, Zeddie provided support and understanding to adapt to her changing needs. For 22 years, with love and patience, he did all that was necessary to make sure she was taken care of properly. He sought out additional assistance from family, professional and support groups when necessary. Zeddie became a regular participant of the Alzheimer Support Group at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. He attended meetings regularly. Even after her passing, he continued to attend meetings as often as he could, sharing his knowledge of caring for a loved one with dementia. Zeddie made his transition to be with the Lord on February 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Frances Hill Coley and Ashley Coley; five sisters (Annie Lue, Helen. Mary, Pauline and Betty) and three brothers (William, Roegers and Edgar). Zeddie leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Carma Coley and Cynthia Coley- Anderson (Alonzo); one brother, Robert Coley (Ann); five grandchildren, Christopher, Ephren, Alexandria, Alexander (Lynnetta) and Ashlee; three great-granddaughters, Joanae, Aaliyah and Emma; and a host of relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zeddie D. Coley, please visit our floral store. Read More

Zeddie D. Coley

June 24, 1933 - February 6, 2025