Frances “Pinky” Thomas Coley

ROCKY MOUNT - Frances Ragland Thomas Coley went home to be with her Lord and Savior and to be reunited with her husband, Herman Lee Coley Sr. on Sunday, June 3, 2012. She was born August 1, 1921 in Edgecombe County to the late Rev. Robert Vernon Thomas, Sr and Goldie Grady Thomas. In addition to her parents, Frances ("Pinky") is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Herman Lee Coley, Sr., sons, Robert Thomas Coley and Charles Frances Coley; several sisters and one brother; and great grandson, Tristan. Frances "Pinky", her special nickname, "Grandpa" that all her grandchildren called her, was a member of West Edgecombe Baptist Church. She was devoted to her Lord, her husband, her children, and was a loving and devoted "Grandpa". She was known for her cooking, crocheting, tailoring, and flowers. She was an avid bicyclist up into her 80's retiring three bicycles with over 30,000 miles. Frances was also valedictorian of her senior class in Leaksville, NC. She leaves to cherish her memory, son, H.L. "Nick" Coley, Jr. and wife Linda of Red Oak; grandchildren, Monica Poland and husband Johnny, and their children, Ashley and Johnny, Jr.; Jean Coley and her children, Jerry, Kristen and Jonathan; Anita Rhodes and husband Lance and their children, Lexi, Lance, Jr., Karmen and Kenzie; Heather Smith and husband Thomas of the home, who lovingly cared for "Grandpa", their children, Corrie, Kayla, Lauren, Jaden and Austin "Bug"; H. L. "Nicky" Coley, III and children Michael, Kelsey and Trinity; special caregiver and beloved friend of the family, Asheley Tess and special friends Edna, Betty and Jeanne. A celebration of life service for Frances will be 6:00p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Coggin officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frances may be made to West Edgecombe Baptist Church Building Fund, 13821 N.C. 43 North, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 6/6, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 6/6, 6:00 pm