On June 30, 2020 at approximately 5:06 AM, at Providence Portland, Carol J Cooley (age 70) went to be with her Lord and Savior. She had battled kidney failure and other medical conditions for several years. She was diligently cared for by her husband Tom Cooley.
Carol Jean Cooley (Kinnaman) was born November 2, 1949 to Florence Pine Kinnaman and Lafe E. Kinnaman in Weiser, Idaho. She spent the majority of her young life in McMinnville, Oregon with her parents and three brothers. She attended McMinnville High School and received her GED.
In August 1966, she married Thomas Merrill Cooley in McMinnville, OR.
In 1981, Carol founded Dance Magic Pageants, an amateur dance competition. She successfully grew and directed Dance Magic, along with her husband and business partner, Tom Cooley, for 37 years before retiring. Through Dance Magic, Carol has had a significant impact on young dancers throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Carol successfully provided a positive and professional atmosphere for competitive dancers of all abilities and age groups.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years and Viet Nam Navy veteran Tom Cooley, her son Kerry Cooley (Boring, OR), her daughter Kimberly White (Missouri City, TX), her brothers Byron Kinnaman (Salem, OR) and Lou Kinnaman (Carlton, OR), seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Les Kinnaman (Redmond, OR).
Carol lived her faith in Jesus Christ boldly. One of the highlights of her life was her and Tom’s baptism in the Jordan River during one of their two trips to Israel and the Holy Lands.
Carol lived life to the fullest. Her laugh was easily identifiable and infectious. She loved her family and always looked forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had a gift of hospitality, party planning and decorating. She also had a passion for shopping and bargain hunting. She also adored, and was adored by, her sweet, loving Chihuahua, Roxie.
A public viewing will be held at Sandy Funeral Home (39551 Pleasant St, Sandy, OR 97055) from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM on July 13, 2020. A private graveside service will be held on July 14, 2020 at Willamette National Cemetery, where she will be interred. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Correspondence can be sent to:
Tom Cooley
PO Box 686
Gresham, OR 97030
Email: chromaflage@gmail.com
Please consider a donation in Carol’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org)