Joan Elizabeth Ross Coley

Joan Elizabeth Ross Coley, age 86, resident of Mobile, Alabama, widow of David Robert Coley III, died on Monday, November 4, 2019. Joan was born August 7, 1933 in Queens, New York to Katherine Teresa Barile Ross and Walter Thomas Ross and was raised in Garden City, Long Island.

Joan graduated from Adelphi University in New York. She met her husband when he was stationed at Mitchell Air Force Base Long Island. When he left the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, they married and moved to Mobile, AL in 1956. There she taught second grade and then raised four loving children. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an avid reader, loved tennis, golf, and in later years, especially, bridge. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Point Clear, AL and exploring the world through travel. She was a longtime member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

Joan is survived by her children, Mary Anne Coley (Stuart) Ball, Robert Sean Coley, and Kara Coley (Peter) Coats; 11 grandchildren, Stuart Ross (Olivia Claire) Ball, Catherine Ball (Mark) Wise, Anne Arden Ball (Edward) Norfleet, Mary Elizabeth Moultrie Ball, Michelle Coley Taylor, Robert Sean Coley, Jr., William Ehret Coley, Anna Elizabeth Coley, Margaret Ruth Coats, David Coley (Kristen) Coats, and Henry Chesnutt Coats; eight great-grandchildren, Guy Barrett Ball, Coley Theresa Wise, Margaret Moultrie Wise, Mary Anne Norfleet, Edward Bamford Norfleet III, Christopher Michael Taylor, Joan Elizabeth Taylor, and Charles Peter Coats. Also by her brother, Michael Alan (Mireille) Ross and beloved nieces and nephew, companion Dr. William Francis “Bud” Sullivan and many dear friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and beloved son David Christopher Coley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Church on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Visitation in the Marian Center from 4:00 p.m. until service time. A graveside service will occur Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Pine Crest Cemetery followed by interment.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 3704 Springhill Ave, Mobile, Alabama 36608.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Coley family.