Our beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle, Joel Edward Cooley, passed away peacefully in his sleep at midnight on November 15, 2025, after courageously enduring a chronic illness. He was 74 years old. Born on March 26, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Joel moved with his family to Akron, Ohio at the age of nine, where he would grow into the talented, hardworking, and devoted man his loved ones remember so dearly.

A self-taught pianist and gifted musician, Joel carried a profound love for music throughout his entire life. In his youth, he traveled every weekend from 10th through 12th grade with the band Soul Toronado. At age 22, he played with False Face and the Thunderbirds, opening for the O’Jays—an unforgettable moment, especially when the promoter remarked that their performance outshined the headliner. That moment opened the door to a lifelong journey in music. Over the years, Joel brought his exceptional musicality to several bands, including Soul Movement, Brother Nature (circa 1980), Boot’nem (1987–1992), and Just Coolin/BLT during the 1990s.

Joel was a faithful member of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, where he shared his musical gifts by playing the organ and singing in the choir.

Outside of music, Joel was equally accomplished. After graduating high school, he worked in a machine shop, later partnering with his father as a general contractor—a trade he carried out with skill and pride for many years. He completed professional truck driving school and earned his certification on January 31, 1975. Joel also had a lifelong affinity for antique cars. He regularly attended car shows and cruise-ins and was impressively knowledgeable about classic car mechanics.

It was in Akron that Joel met a lovely young lady named Doris, a neighbor whose warm spirit quickly caught his attention. From that moment, the two became inseparable and went on to build a beautiful life together. Their union of fifty-one years stands as a testament to enduring love, partnership, and devotion.

Joel leaves behind his loving wife, Doris Jane Cooley; daughters Monique Cooley, Monika Cooley Talley (Chad), and Marlo Cooley Willis (Brian); and grandchildren Anique Cooley, Ma’rian Willis, Macayla Talley, Caira Talley, and Bryce Willis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Neotha Cooley; brothers Gadberry Jones, Lavell Jones, Lecester Cooley, John S. Cooley Jr., and Jesse Cooley; and sister Gloria Cooley.

To cherish his memory, he is survived by his brother James Cooley, Sr. of Akron, OH; sisters Deborah Cooley Wright of Little Rock, AR, and Sandra Cooley Williams (Malcolm) of Montgomery, AL; sister-in-laws Savannah Cooley of Memphis, TN, Marcia Cooley of St. Louis, MO, and Dorothy Alleyne of Roanoke, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever remember his humor, generosity, and musical spirit.

Joel’s life was filled with rhythm, craftsmanship, faith, and love. His legacy will continue to echo in the music he played, the family he cherished, the church he served, and the countless lives he touched.