Roger "Jonathan" Coley

Roger Johnathan Coley Jr. was born on December 18, 1988 in Rochester NY to Joyce Brown and John Roger Coley. The couple moved to Washington, DC where they lived with Roger’s older brother Willis Brooks Jr. and his daughter Kira for approximately one year. Joyce and Roger grew their family once returning to Rochester having two more children, Anthony Coley and Leonora Coley.

In his early childhood, Jonathan spent time in Vernon, Oklahoma living with his grandmother Wanda Coley. There he built a close relationship with his older brother Matthew and cousin Kira who he lovingly referred to as “Big Sis” as she rightfully carried the torch throughout his life being his protector, secret keeper, and the one who always told him right from wrong.

As an adolescent, Johnathan lived between Rochester and Vernon. It was in Rochester where his spiritual foundation was firmly rooted. He attended First Genesis Baptist Church regularly with his Aunt Carol Wheeler, along with his brother Anthony Coley, cousins Marcus “Me J” Brooks Jr., Maurice “Moe” Brooks Sr., and Maurell “Nu Nu” Taylor all who were known as “The Boys”. The Boys shared an inseparable bond, where you saw one you saw them all…they were rarely seen apart. Auntie Carol was more than an Aunt– she was a mother figure who guided them with gentle discipline, heartfelt wisdom, and unwavering love. At First Genesis Johnathan was baptized, he enjoyed his role as a youth Usher, participated in Seed Sowers and other youth activities and was a graduate of Understanding God’s Word. Back in Vernon, Johnathan attended Dustin High School, later obtaining his GED.

For pastime, Jonathan found joy simply in spending time with his family. He loved playing basketball, admiring and emulating the skills of his Uncle Eric Coley Sr. and brother Matthew. He also enjoyed the thrill and peace of horseback riding; Johnathan never turned down a game of spades or Dominoes with the men in his family. Whether laughing loud at the table or showing off his competitive streak, Johnathan always made it fun to be around him. Though he did not have any children of his own, he deeply loved his nieces, nephews and little cousins; whenever the family gathered you could hear Johnathan say “give me that baby” as he reached his arms out with a smile to grab the little ones. He was known for his contagious smile and laugh. Jonathan’s favorite NFL team was Dallas Cowboys, and his favorite NBA team was The Lakers.

Jonathan is pre-deceased in death by his grandparents John Coley, Wanda Coley, Vincent Brown, Charlotte Monroe-Brown, brother Matthew Pigeon, and mother Joyce Brown- Gross. He is survived and missed by his father John Roger Coley, brother Anthony (Yasmine) Coley, The Boys: Marcus “MeJ” Brooks Jr, Maurice “Moe” Brooks Sr., Murrell “Nu Nu” Taylor, big sis Kira (Brandon) Beckley, sisters Leonora Coley, Emily Jack, Sienna Jack, Billy Powell, Jessie Powell, Alicia Powell, Bubba Steve, Aunt Carol (Robert) Wheeler and a host of Uncles, Aunts, cousins, beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be held Saturday 10-11am August 16th at First Genesis Baptist Church. Funeral Service to follow at 11am. Interment at Oakwood cemetery.