Betty Ethelene King Cooley, 88, of Hockessin, returned home to the Lord on November 21, 2025. She has been reunited with her husband, Richard C. Cooley, Sr., and her son, Richard C. Cooley, Jr.
Betty was born on May 27, 1937 in Duluth, Georgia, daughter of the late Taylor John King and Clara Cox King. Betty graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master’s Degree in Education. Teaching primarily 8th grade English and Math, Betty started her teaching career in South Carolina and taught in several schools in Delaware within the Red Clay Consolidated School District. She was a longtime member of the Good News Church in Hockessin and Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Newark. With her late husband, Betty was an avid collector of music boxes and accumulated an extensive collection. In retirement, Betty loved to cook, shop, and spend time with her grandchildren
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty is survived by her son, Brooks Taylor Cooley; three grandchildren: Nathan, his wife Jupiter Cooley, Benjamin Cooley, and Etsuko Cooley; a great-grandson, Jasper Cooley; and her sister, Nell Reese. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard C. Cooley, Sr.; son, Richard C. Cooley, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Etsuko Teraoka Cooley; and sisters, Janie Boles and Johnnye Hutchins.
A viewing will be held from 2-2:30pm on Wednesday, November 26 at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy., followed at 3:00pm by a graveside funeral service at Hockessin Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests sending a memorial donation to the Good News Church, 957 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE19707.
