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Darnell Cooley Obituary


COOLEY, Darnell L.
Darnell L. Cooley was the only child born to the union of Gloria Phillips-Cooley and Ellis Cooley on July 25, 1964, in Stockton, California. He graduated from Franklin Unified High School in Stockton in 1982. He also graduated from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science - Public Service in 1987. He was united in holy matrimony with Patricia Renee' Morgan on August 30, 1986. In 1988, Darnell began a successful and illustrious employment career with the California State Legislature. During his tenure with the Legislature, he worked as a consultant with various elected officials including Speaker Willie L. Brown, Jr., Speaker Herbert J. Wesson, Jr. and Assembly members Mervyn Dymally, Barbara Lee and Roderick D. Wright. He also served as the chief staff person to the Legislative Black Caucus Darnell and was serving his second term as the 1st Vice President for the California State NAACP, and was a Silver Lifetime Member. Darnell was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Cooley, and leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Patricia, son Darnell, daughter Kaylah, all of Elk Grove, CA; his mother Gloria Phillips-Adams and step-father Andrew L. Adams, Sr., of Fresno, CA; a sister Maria Antoinette "Toni" Mc Alister, brother in-law Greg Mc Alister, step-sisters Beverly, Rhonda and Letha Adams, step-brother Andrew L. Adams II, niece Shinae Mc Alister, and nephew Terence Mc Alister. And, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Public Viewing will be held on Friday, October 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church, 6524 44th Street, Sacramento, California. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 11 am at the Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church, 6524 44th Street, Sacramento, California. All choir members from area churches are invited to meet at 10 am to participate in the Mass Choir during the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts to be donated to the Darnell L. Cooley Memorial Fund, Account #313-70909-7, Washington Mutual, 801 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Oct. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Darnell Cooley

Not sure what to say?





Robin Moore

October 7, 2007

Darnell, you are truly missed and it's still hard to believe that you are gone. I know your work down here was done and the Lord needed another angel in glory. May God continue to bless your children.

I miss you and if you don't know "You better ask somebody."

SGS Always

William "Will" Sanders

November 18, 2006

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Annie R. Kirk

October 29, 2006

My deepest sympathay at your loss. God knew best. You are in my prayers, may God's Angeles protect you.

Barbara Cook

October 17, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Darnell's family. He will definitely be missed.

The Cook Family

Jim Robison

October 15, 2006

This past weekend has been very, very difficult for Darnell's family and friends. They attended the wake Friday night and the funeral Saturday morning and afternoon. His wife and children will most certainly miss him as will his mother. They all need our love and prayers and presence when needed. Let's not forget the loved ones left behind...

The Chiles family

October 14, 2006

Thank you Darnell for your very special gift of friendship. Your passing leaves a void which can never be filled. Gone, but Not forgotten.

Dorissa "Dee" Rodgers

October 13, 2006

Dear Pat, "Li'l D" and Kaylah,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Always remember that God has not, nor will He ever, leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). We love you...

Dorissa, Khanlin and Kylea Rodgers (McCalister), and Mrs. Joe F. McCalister

Mychelle Thomas

October 13, 2006

Darnell,
I am truly going to miss you, your jokes & your loud comments during church services (YOU BETTER SANG YALL) ( SAY IT, SAY IT). I will miss seeing your smiling face and our little inside joke that always continued whenever we would see each other about OJ & NICHOL and you not sharing the PEPSI. :-) I was sad to hear about you leaving us but happy about your home going and I KNOW that you are now making a joyful noise in heaven singing the lead in heavens choir.
I am glad to have met you my bother in Chirst and your family. If there is anything that you need PAT, Darnell Jr & Kaylah please let me know, I am here for you guys that's what family is for.
Deepest sympathy,

Ida M Johnson

October 13, 2006

Darnell, was more than just a friend, he was a co-worker in the civil rights movement. We shared the work and the fun and I will truly miss him.

To his family know that the love of God surrounds and enfolds you as you pass through this time.

Evelyn Corbin

October 13, 2006

Darnell has gone on to be with the Father. Your job here on earth is finished and the Father says Well Done My Son. You leave behind a beautiful wife and children, we will always be available to them and we will love them as you did. Good bye Darnell. We will look for your smiling face when we come to the end of our journey. We miss you and we love you. Your journey is now over so rest in peace.

Friend in San Diego

October 13, 2006

Memories: Politics & Causes worth fighting for,Pepsi,Phillipie's Pizza Grotto, Chocalate cake, His children, family and friends,Fred, Gospel music, All the jokes & humor that came naturally.... And Walmart.

Yvette Porter Moore

October 13, 2006

Darnell,

Your life spoke volumes. Your humor, laughter, and friendship you brought to us will remain in the memory of all of us. You still tried to have the last word into eternity. Your legacy shines bright. God took one of the most unique and beautiful flowers for his garden. I know God has a sense of humor, because you really will keep Him and all the Angels in stitches.

Rest Our Soldier, Rest...... Love you always. Your friend.

Betty Williams-Curtis

October 13, 2006

I was shocked to have heard of young Darnell's passing. He always appeared to have been a well-mannered young man growing up in Stockton. I am sure that his passing is an immeasurable loss to his loved ones. I was a colleague of his father, Ellis. My deepest sympathy is with Darnell's family and friends.

charlotte cooley

October 12, 2006

To know Darnell was to love him. He will be greatly missed. He's been such a great inspiration to our family. We will always love and cherish his memories. Pat, may god bless and keep you and the children in his loving arms. We love you.

Your aunt and uncle,

Charlotte and Reuben Cooley Jr.

Steven Gulley

October 12, 2006

You'll forever be remembered, my brother!

The Calvetti and Quintero Family

October 12, 2006

Patricia, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Darnell Jr. and Kaylah, your father will continue live in you as you continue his legacy.

Albert Brown III

October 12, 2006

To the Darnell Cooley family,

My prayers are with you. God only the very best flowers for his garden.

Etta Brown

October 12, 2006

To the Darnell Cooley family, God has choosen a lovely flower from his garden.He will be missed but his love shall live on forever.

Nafeesah Mustafa-Rasheed

October 12, 2006

Darnell you were one of a kind. I will always cherish the years at UC Davis. You will be missed! My heartfelt thoughts are with your family.

Brooklyn Nelson

October 12, 2006

To: Patricia, Darnell and Kaylah
All of you know how much I appreciated and enjoyed Darnell he was a good friend, Christian brother to me. We will all miss him greatly. We never know why God does what he does, but he is all wise. Keep on trusting God even more in this hard time. Lean on him and never give up on God because he sure won't give up on you.

Love all y'all
Rev. Nelson

Tarnecia Mack

October 12, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to our special family friends. To Pat, Darnell, and Kaylah, you will always be welcome in our home. We will miss Darnell, our brother in Christ, resides now in Heaven. Our prayers are with you and your family during this emotional time. We love you,
Tarnecia, Clark and Sons

Geraldine Davis

October 12, 2006

Did I ever say thank you for finding
my Pastor? If not it is never too late.I'll always miss you and remember you.

love always Gerry Davis

ASHLEE CUMMINGS

October 12, 2006

IT'S JUST SO HARD TO SEE THAT YOUR GONE, ARE FAMILY WAS REALLY CLOSE AND WE WAS LIKE FAMILY AND DONT GET ME WRONG WE STILL ARE AND YOU WAS LIKE AN UNLCE TO ME AND THE KIDS WAS MY COUSIN'S WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THIS I JUST STARTED TO CRY WELL I LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL BE MISSED

LOVE ASHLEE CUMMINGS

Willie Douglas

October 12, 2006

Honorable Darnell Cooley:

There are no words that can express the loss of your presence at this level of existence.

You have touched and blessed in many ways, even during your period of grwth of which African americans in the Stockton, CA area can be proud of.

As I continue to ponder why must your deeds of love and service must be shorten on earth, I heed not to question the MAKER, of whom I know has a greater need for your works through the level of eternity.

That's the the gratifying pleeasure I have, in knowing one day I too will be blessed with the honor of eternity, and I surely will be be seeking you out.

Until then while I no more can see you through the lenses of my eye, or touch with the feelings of presence, the beat of who you were and how much you meant will remain in my heart.

Thank you for your works of GOD during the time he had for you to carry it on.

Brother Darnell as I continue in prayer, tell the others we know, that we will keep the unity of love, bond and peace forewever until the time we are all joined togethr in the Spirit of The GOD Family with radiant love and works of justice throughout eternity.

Brother Darnell, I love you, GOD blessings of love will remain with your loved ones (family), and the othrs who shared the righeous walk with dignity with you.

AMEN

Minister/Rev. Willie A. Douglas

Michele Dyke

October 12, 2006

Friends forever!

Elizabeth Stewart

October 12, 2006

Darnell, you will be so missed! Your smile will continue to glow in the hearts of many. Prayers go out to your family, Pat, lil Darnell and Kayla.

Monica Ford

October 12, 2006

I can't believe it's true. Darnell was so full of life, I thought he'd be around forever. Pat and family, you are in our prayers. May God continue to sustain you during this time.
Love,
The Ford Family

Myrna Sykes

October 12, 2006

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time of need. I will miss you Darnell singing in the choirs together.

Erin Stewart

October 12, 2006

Darnell, my brother in Christ. You are so deeply missed. Darnell was one of the first friends I met when I moved to Sacramento and we remained friends. Pat, Darnell and Kaylah me and my family are here for you and are praying for you.

Jessica Houston

October 12, 2006

To the Cooley Family and Friends,
Our prayers are with you all. As the Song says 'When my Season comes I'll be alright.'May God continue to Bless and keep you all.
Pastor Robert and Sis. Jessica Houston

Alicia Gaytan

October 12, 2006

We will miss you dearly, you were part of our family Darnell was once our Realtor, will always be our brother and a loving friend, he was always happy and asking how we were doing. Love ya! Pat love you and kids too let me know if we can do anything for you.

Doris Alkebulan

October 12, 2006

We loved our neighbor. He will be missed dearly. Pepsi, kool-aid and our sign;)

Ken & Melanie Barnes

October 12, 2006

Melanie and I were saddened to hear about the loss of our friend, mentor and even one-time Realtor. However, our sadness turns to happiness when we think about visiting with Darnell on the other side. We will always love you.

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