Colleen Marks

Colleen "CoCo" Marks, our beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend entered into eternal rest Tuesday December 10, 2024. Colleen was born Aug 17, 1961 to Bennie Holliman and Bessie Marks in Rockford Illinois. Upon graduating from West High School, she was employed as a welder at Eclipse Corporation, Warner Lambert and Atwood before retiring after more than 30 years of service. This decision to retire was partly inspired by her commitment and loyalty to family and caring for others. Colleen had a selfless love that extended beyond the walls of her home and embraced others; she did not mind helping people and making them apart of her family.
Colleen was a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church serving on the Nurses Guild, Hospitality Committee, and Head of the Kitchen Committee; after their closing she began visiting other churches. Colleen had a love for cooking and good food,she will truly be missed for her signature dishes like her baked beans, green beans, cabbage, greens and dressing; that so many had the opportunity to enjoy at family functions and events. In addition to cooking Colleen enjoyed talking on the phone, watching reality TV shows, scrolling Youtube for funny and insightful videos and doing crossword puzzles.
Colleen leaves to treasure her many loving memories, her devoted daughter and namesake Colleen Na'Shae Gulley; 3 cherished Sons Arzaibriel, ZayShawn and Markell Marks Grandchildren Zay'veair and Knowledge; Sister Ruel "Dean" Marks; Uncle Rollie Purifoy. Best Friend Nate Gulley; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends including; special nieces Quanda (Carl) Curry and Allyson Roberts; a special great nephew she was raising Kristopher Marks; special cousin Lateshia (Teena) Burrell; and close friends, Michelle Fort, Maurice Jones and Eugene Flint.
She was predeceased by her grandparents Edna and Willie Purifoy; Parents Bennie Holliman and Bessie Lee Marks; Sisters Barbara Jean Holliman and Regina Hill; Brothers, Bennie Jr., Horace, Lawrence, Claude, and Chester Holliman; along with Willie, Hershey, Freddie, and Rev. Elzie Marks. Aunts; Esther, Viola, Edna Mae, and Lessie; Uncles ;Enry, Roy B, AB, Floyd, Leroy and Frank.
Services will be held 11:00a.m. Monday, December 23, 2024 at Soar Assembly 604 Salter Ave Rockford, IL 61102. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.