Jean H. Colley

Jean H. Colley, age 98, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Ohio Living Rockynol.

Jean was born in Barberton, Ohio and lived in the Akron area all of her life. Jean was the daughter of James C. and Emma Meinke Hodge. A graduate of Buchtel High School, she furthered her education and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University. Jean was very active in the lives of her children as they grew up and volunteered in many of their activities. Voluntarism was a constant in Jean’s life including planning high school reunions, serving as a Stephen Minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and WITAN (Women in Touch with Akron’s Needs). Jean never met a stranger and her outgoing personality and compassion for others rewarded her with friendships and relationships that lasted over her many years. She met her future husband in third grade! Her positive attitude and faith guided her through her lifetime. Jean was always curious and loved to learn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold C. Colley, Jr.; mother-in-law, Rebecca Colley; sister-in-law, Ann Louise Colley; son-in-law, William Sonnie; cousins, Louise Thomas, Nancy Brandt, Anne Damon, and John Grubb; nieces, Sally Simmons and Jennifer Windle and many lifelong friends.

Jean is survived by her son: James (Peggy) Colley of Wickenburg, Arizona, daughters:

Nancy (Jim) Laria of Akron, Emily Sonnie of Chardon; grandchildren: Wendy (Wes) Harris, Jimmy (Jess) Laria, Webbe Colley and Jack Colley, and great-grandchildren: Logan, Mackenzie, Ellie, Alessia, and James “JJ”; sisters: Carol (Don) Poe and Emily Brasfield, all of Chagrin Falls; sister-in-law: Sue (Jim) Mackay of Newburyport, Massachusetts; cousin: Janet Neff, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Jean’s family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Ohio Living Rockynol for their loving care of Jean and the care team at Miracle City Hospice who eased her transition from this life.

A memorial service honoring Jean’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Billow’s Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333 with a gathering immediately following to celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Living Rockynol, Attn: Rockynol Employee Appreciation Fund, 1150 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313.; The Salvation Army Summit County Services, 190 South Maple St., Akron, OH 44302; or to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307-2234.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333. 

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)