Jerry Cooley, Sr.

Another chapter is written. God has gently laid down his pen. The Book of Life has been closed. Tucked between its pages are the joys and pains of Jerry Lee Cooley, Sr.

On April 6, 1969 in Ruleville, MS, JERRY LEE COOLEY, SR. became the first child born to the union of Charles Brown and Irene Cooley. JERRY attended Drew Public Schools, Coahoma County High School, and Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS. Jerry was baptized at the age of 10 at Silver Star Missionary Baptist Church in Rome, MS.

One of JERRY’s greatest passions was football. He was a standout player at Drew High School and Coahoma County High School. Affectionately called “Ice Man” by his teammates and schoolmates, JERRY was awarded “Defensive Player of the Year” for Coahoma County High School and was named “Defensive Player of the Year” for Class 3A District 5. In his second season at Coahoma County High School, he led a defense that allowed only 8 points in district play during the 1987-1988 season. During that season, Coahoma County won the Class 3A District 5 championship and was awarded their very first appearance in the Mississippi High School Athletics Association Class 3A playoffs. Prior to joining rival Coahoma County High School in 1986, JERRY played for the Drew Eagles where he helped to lead them to two playoff appearances and won the 1984 Class 1A District 3 championship with a record of 9-1 and the 1985 Class 2A District 3 championship with a record of 10-1.

JERRY married Delight Littlejohn in December 1999. To this union, two children were born.

JERRY retired in 2022 from Cooley Transportation, a company he created from his expertise in trucking over the years. In addition to trucking, JERRY was actively involved in coaching football. He had a strong passion for mentoring defensive players in the sport he loved. JERRY was an integral part of coaching players at Creston and East Kentwood.

JERRY departed this earthly life on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

JERRY was preceded in death by Irene Cooley Brown (mom), Charles Brown (dad), Charles Ella Thompson (sister), Irene Cooley (grandmother), Abraham Cooley (grandfather), Edna Brown (grandmother) and William Brown (grandfather).