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Robert Cooley Obituary
He would have been 102 later this month. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Golden Cooley; son, Robert H. Cooley III; and an infant daughter.
Mr. Cooley was born two generations after slavery ended and believed that Jim Crow segregation was wrong and dedicated his career toward fighting it through legal channels. After graduating from Peabody High School, Virginia Union University and Howard Law School, he stood guard for decades in Southside Virginia where he conferred with Dr. King, defended the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker's protests for the end of segregation in Virginia. He served as counsel to the NAACP's Freedom Bus Rides in Southside, represented many clients victimized by racial discrimination and managed a number of successful political campaigns by African-American candidates.
He is survived by his son, retired Col. Howard G. Cooley (Bettye); grandchildren, Alicia Cooley Hill (Richard), Dr. Michele Cooley Strickland (Tony), Robert H. Cooley IV (Joanna) and Sade Cooley; six great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Virginia, Alicia, Alexis, Jillian and Nikolas; brother-in-law, Samuel Golden; sister-in-law, Shirley Golden; and two nieces.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church, Petersburg, Va., with the Rev. Rebecca Griffin officiating. Interment will follow at Blandford Cemetery. Attending relatives and friends will assemble one hour prior to service at chapel.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences may be submitted to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cooley
5 Entries
Millie Hayward
March 21, 2011
I remember Mr. Cooley was a fine attorney and a very polite gentleman that cared about his clients.He lived a good long life and he will be remembered for many years to come for all the good deeds he did for the people of Petersburg.May God bless and comfort his family in this time of sorrow.
February 24, 2011
Dear Betty and Gregory, we are sorry to learn of your father, our prayers go out
to the family. The Jarratts
Natalie Harris Myers
February 22, 2011
To Lisa Cooley Hill and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. What an awseome legacy he has left in Petersburg. We also give thanks to God for the long life that he lived. May you be comforted that he is now joined with your grandmother in eternal rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rejoice! For you shall see him again.
Robert Cooley IV
February 20, 2011
G pops you are and always will be my greatest source of inspiration. It wasn't always what u said, or wouldn't say. It was what you DID. A man of honor, integrity, and action. It has and always will be my privilege to carry your name. Your grandson Robert H Cooley IV
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