Marjorie Louise Colley

Marjorie Louise (Brooks) Colley, 86, of Macomb, IL, passed away on November 21, 2025 at Wesley Village Nursing Home in Macomb. She was born on January 3, 1939, in Boyne City, Michigan, the daughter of Ralph and Lois Brooks. She grew up in Boyne City, and throughout her life and travels always seemed most at home when near Lake Charlevoix.
She graduated from high school in 1957 and shortly thereafter married her high school sweetheart, Harry Colley. She worked as a cosmetologist right out of high school but once she began having children, she was a dedicated homemaker. Marj was the mom who made homemade Halloween costumes, served as Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader, and never missed the opportunity to decorate for holidays, including those awful toilet seat lid covers!
Once her children were grown, she began her education and career. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and a Master's degree from the University of Aurora. Marj had the heart of a servant and worked for the YMCA in Macomb, where she was instrumental in developing the senior center program and served as the Executive Director for the YWCAs in both Canton and Aurora, where she championed their mission statement of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Upon retirement, Marj married John R. Wilson and together they enjoyed their love of nature, travel, theater, and music. She took up photography as a hobby and entered her work in juried contests, and much to her surprise, she oftentimes won. Following John's passing, Marj left her friends and her community in Aurora and moved to Macomb to be nearer children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was delighted to have her photography displayed at McDonough District Hospital and Wesley Village Retirement Center and had her very own photography exhibition at the Macomb Arts Center in 2024. Marj loved people and never met a stranger. She would say "strangers are just people I have yet to make my friends".
Preceding her in death are her parents; her brothers, Robert and Elwood Brooks; her first husband and father of her children, Harry Colley; her second husband, John Wilson; and her lifelong friend, Lori Witt.
She is survived by her children; Monte (Gina) of Macomb, IL, Lori of Macomb, IL, Terry (Jonel) of Westchester, IL, and Timothy (Jill) of Chandler, AZ; her grandchildren, Brandon (Brigette) Colley, Shawn Colley, Alayna (Chris) Martin, Lindsay (Madison) Colley, Justin Colley, and Cole Miller; three great grandchildren whom she couldn't get enough of, Olivia, Finnley, and William; and dearest friends, Kathy Adams and Hillary Brennan. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen funeral home is handling cremation rites and a private family interment of ashes at Oakwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Macomb Arts Center at macombartscenter.org or 25 East Side Square, Macomb, IL 61455. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com