Coleen Jaco

Coleen Jaco, born on January 23, 1961, to the late Athlene Reaves and Claude Horton, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC.

Coleen received her education at J.S. Waters School and Chatham Central High School. She was known for her infectious laughter, love for joking, and zest for life. She found joy in playing board games, shopping, spades and solving crossword puzzles.

Coleen joined Centennial AME Zion Church at an early age. She was a member of the Voices of Zion and worked with the children. One of her favorite songs was "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior."

Throughout her life, she worked for several employers, including Quality Mold, Burlington Industries, and Ramada Inn. She also served as a Personal Care Assistant at the same facility where she resided for 22 years. After losing her second leg, Coleen moved to Sunbridge Nursing Facility, where she embraced her role by advocating for residents and organizing activities such as Sunday church services and Mother's Day events.

She was preceded in death by her husband Moses, grandmother Margaret McLeod, bonus dad Arthur Taylor, Uncle George McLeod Jr., great-uncle Alonzo Horton, and foster parents Willie and Lillie Womble.

Coleen is lovingly remembered by her daughter Jennifer Reaves, grandson Kolby Reaves, sister Taylor, brother Arthur Taylor Jr., foster sister Willia M. Thompson, and special cousin J.C. Thompson. Her cherished memory lives on with her goddaughters Lauren Totten, Jada Walden, and Octavia Headen; one Aunt Virginia Gaddy; foster nieces Pamela Thompson Smith and Rev. Anissa T. Little (Rev. Corey D. Little); niece Niayah Smith; nephews Derrin Little (Kristian) and Jared Little (Precious); and a host of family and friends.