Naomi Kerley

DAYTON — Naomi Cooley Kerley, went to sleep on earth, and woke up with her Savior on June 26, 2017. She was 91. Born July 14, 1925, to Leonard and Lella Smith Cooley, in Sequatchie County. Naomi was one of eight children. As a young bride in 1941, she sent her husband, the late Milton A. Kerley, off to Italy to serve in World War II. It was during this time that her husband was away and she was a new mother, Naomi held fast to the idea that “no news is good news,” a concept she passed on to generations to come. She lived life to the fullest, and would often find herself in the deep throws of laughter which could lift the heaviest of hearts. She loved well and often, and displayed generosity like no other. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and lived her life devoted to the Lord. She made her home in several places including North Carolina, Indiana, Arizona and Tennessee. In addition, she served in many professional capacities including retail, food service, ministry and childcare, eventually retiring from K-Mart. She loved true crime television shows, and quite possibly watched every episode of Law and Order: SVU. She was skilled in southern cuisine, with her biscuits and gravy above all others. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and love of 70 years, Milton; her son, Jerry A. Kerley, of Portage, Ind.; son-in-law, Everett Gene Borders; and siblings, Tommy Wayne Cooley; J.C. Cooley; Nell Frizzell; Charles Willard Cooley; Billy Clyde Cooley; and Frank Benton Cooley. She is survived by daughter, LaDonna Borders, of Soddy-Daisy; sons, Boyd (Sharon) Kerley, of Arizona; Rick (Connie) Kerley, of Indiana; and Michael (Cheryl) Kerley, of Dayton; and sister, June (Bob) Slatton, of Whitwell, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves a lasting legacy of grandchildren, Wendy, Amy, Jennifer, Tiffany, Tony, Brandy, Crystal, Ryan, Derrick and Breanna; great- grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Connor, Chloe, Ansley, Aubrey, Tripp, Brayden, Benjamin, Abigail, Emma-Kate and Eliza. The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m., at Williamson and Sons Funeral Home in Soddy- Daisy on Thursday, June 29. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 30, at 1 p.m. in the chapel, with internment to follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.