Sallie Cooley

BIOGRAPHY

Sallie Cooley was born in Clarke County, Mississippi, USA, on 8 December 1908, to George and Nan McDonald. She had nine siblings: Arthur, Eddie, Lee, Cleavend, Mattie McDonald, Annie Moses, Geneva Sanders, Verlee Dase, and Polly McDonald. At an early age, she married husband, Willie Simmons. Together, they had eight children: Ezra Simmons, Jessie McCarty, Adra Fortner, Corine McGill, Bernice Jones, Winnie Perkins, Kathalee Simmons, and Kathaleen Simmons. Later in life, she married Curtis Cooley, who also preceded her in death.

Cooley was baptized at a young age at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and received her education at Rocky Hill in Clarke County. Throughout her life, she remained deeply religious. She was an Usher, Choir Member, and a participant in Sunday School Class No. 7 at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She also served as a Youth Teacher for the Baptist Training Union (BTU), Treasurer of the Sunday School Council, and a faithful Member of the East Jasper Women Mission Institute. Additionally, she was the Treasurer of the Heroine of Jericho Court 304 and a member of the Jasper County Homemaker Club. She was known for feeding, helping, and praying for the sick and shut-in and also served as a Home Caretaker.

At the age of 109, she had 19 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 58 great-great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Sallie Cooley passed away in Heidelberg, Mississippi, USA, on 12 June 2020, at the age of 111 years, 187 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Oldest Mississippian?: Celebrating 108 years” – WTOK, 26 October 2017

* A resolution extending the greetings of the Mississippi Senate to Mrs. Sallie Mae Cooley – Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System, 2018

* Sallie Mae Cooley – Laurel Leader-Call, 16 June 2020

GALLERY

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