ROOSEVELT COLEY, 88, Bishop and founder of Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church (currently known as Christian Harvest Worship Center) in Albion [Berlin], New Jersey, transitioned peacefully to glory on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the home of son, Pastor Dwayne (Patricia) Coley in Sicklerville, New Jersey with his children at his side. "Bishop" will forever be spoken of as a godly Husband, Father, Grandfather (aka "Pop-Pop"), Founder, Pastor, Preacher, Teacher, Evangelist, Apostolic Father, Counsellor, Community Leader, Mentor Athlete (Baseball's Best!), Award-winning Coach, Artist, Activist, Motivator, Helper, Philanthropist, and Gentle Giant-but mostly an "All-Star Father" who clearly understood his God-appointed assignment. BishoP, Coley was able to realize the fruits of his labor for God with the expansion of the physical building of the church he so loved and shepherded since 1964. He saw his children grow up to be God-fearing adults and continue to build on the legacy he oegan. His mentoring guided numerous ministers to boldly profess the Gospel; and his community activism led to countless improvements to the area. Bishop Coley was an artist whose angelic painting graced the pulpit of the former Mt. Carmel Holy Church on Mt. Vernon Street in Camden, NJ, which was the place of his ministerial beginnings as the young Minister Coley. He was a pioneer wno began an annual Family and Friends Day (1964), now celebrated in churches nationwide. He was an athlete with the talent to play baseball professionally, who chose to instruct youngsters on Winslow Township's first integrated little league baseball team, tal<ing them from an upstart team to the league championship.
Roosevelt was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina to Thomas and Mary Atkinson Coley on June 17, 1932 and later moved to Camden, NJ where he received his education. His beloved wife of over 57 wonderful years, Lady Ruth E. "Tootsie" Coley preceded him into glory in 2011 and he missed her deeply. He leaves to mourn, wife of four years, Costella Pickering, and an overflowing treasure of loving memories for his five children; Barry of Ellicott City, MD, Gary (Beverly) of McDonough, GA, Pastor Donna (Pastor Gregory) of Lawnside, NJ, Pastor Dwayne (Patricia) of Sicklerville, NJ, and Christopher of Berlin, NJ. Through these unions, 11 wonderful grandchildren were added; Ryan, Kari (Vic), Aaryn (Brandon), Sean, Joel (Larissa), Andre, Jordan, Dwayne, Dante, Kaysie, and his "LydiBug" Lydia; and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Deacon Thomas; in-laws, Alexander Lancaster, and Naomi Joyce Holmes; and is greatly cherished by his brother, Deacon James (Jean) Coley; sister, Edna Harrity; in-laws, Robert (Barbara) Lancaster, Arthur "Bunny" Lancaster, and an innumerable host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and "spiritual children, brothers, and sisters." The family wishes to extend their gratitude to family, fellow laborers in the Gospel ot Christ, and the host of dear friends who are unable to attend services due to COVID-19 restrictions. Lovingly Submitted, The Family
Christian Harvest Worship Center Formerly Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church 224 Walnut Aven ue, Berlin , New Jersey 08009 Mailing Address: 223 Pear Tree Ave, Berlin , NJ 08009 Pastor Dwayne A. Coley Funeral Arran gemen ts Entrusted to: May Funeral Homes www.mayfuneralhomes.com Graphic Design: JPDesignsArt.com