Mary Mildred Cooley, 77, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, September 3, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

 Visitation for Mary will be Friday, September 8, 2023, at Gospel Kingdom Church, 1440 West Third Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 Funeral Service will be held at Gospel Kingdom Church on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Brandon Hodgson presiding.  A burial service will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery on College Drive in Mt. Carmel.

 Mary was born to the late Reverend Frank and Willa (Wineheart) Peach on September 22, 1945, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School Class of 1963. She went to Colburn Beauty Academy and received her Associates Degree. She worked as a hairdresser for over fifty years, starting Fresh As A Daisy beauty shop in 1982.

 Mary married William Cooley at Trinity Methodist Church on August 3, 1968. To this union three children were born Coleen (Jason) Nunley of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Erin (Pat) Broedel of Mt. Carmel, and John (Amy) Cooley of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Also surviving are siblings John (Beverly) Peach, David (Barbara) Peach, Tom Peach, Bob (Leona) Peach, Nancy (Don) Lawson, Rachel Martin; nine grandchildren: Cayla (Jeremy) Critcheloe, Cameron (Dustin) Goff, Cody, Collin and Caitlyn Broedel, William, McKenzie, Emmitt, and Nash Cooley; and six great grandchildren: Mary, Boaz, Israel, Andy Critcheloe, Rylan, and Dylan Goff.

Those preceding her in death include her parents, husband of fifty-two years, and three sisters: Willa May, Hope and Darlena.

 Mary Loved Jesus. She was very devoted to her church, her family and her work as hairdresser. She was an active member of Gospel Kingdom Church in Mt. Carmel.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Gospel Kingdom Church, 1440 West Third Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois, 62863.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cooley family.