January 24, 1952 – July 10, 2025
(Editor’s Note: Thanks to Deb Cook Lewis for her assistance with this tribute.)
Denise Marie Colley, a beloved wife, sister, stepmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Spokane, Wash., and throughout her life made homes in Spokane and Lacey, Wash. and later Richmond, Texas, always bringing warmth, faith, and a deep sense of community wherever she went.
A proud graduate of North Central High School in 1970, Denise continued her education at Whitworth College, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1974. Her academic background fueled a lifelong commitment to advocacy and service, especially within the blind and visually impaired community. She was employed as the ADA Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Washington Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.
Denise married the love of her life, Berl Colley, on October 4, 1980, in Washington. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on love, faith, and mutual respect. Denise cherished her family deeply and was a devoted stepmother to Crystal Dull, Starla Colley, and Tena Colley. She was also blessed with numerous grandchildren who brought great joy to her life.
Her service to ACB and its affiliates, along with that of her husband Berl Colley, spanned several decades. She is the past president of Washington Council of the Blind, was president of the Braille Revival League at her passing, and was just completing her third and final term as ACB secretary, having also served as an ACB board member and chair of ACB’s Board of Publications.
Denise believed in the future of the organization, and served as chair of the ACB scholarship committee at both the state and national levels. She balanced this with her love of past traditions by also serving on the history committee at both the state and national levels.
Denise's faith in the Lord was unwavering. She was an active participant in church life, always quick to lend her voice, her time, and her heart to those around her. She was known for her independence, compassion, and the rich network of friendships she cultivated over the years.
A woman of many talents and interests, Denise was known for her love of travel, her passion for sports, and her beautiful singing voice, often shared with others through her involvement in church choirs. In her later years, she found joy in connecting with others as a radio host in her retirement community, always eager to brighten someone's day with her words.
Denise loved to sing. There are stories of her first experience singing karaoke while on a cruise. And she most definitely loved to take cruises! She also collected dolls, and I have some fun memories of helping her ship them home after some amazing auction purchases.
Denise Colley passed away on July 10, but her legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of every community she touched – ACB, its affiliates, her church family, her physical family, and her neighborhood. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy, her infectious joy for life, and her boundless compassion made her a pillar of strength and a source of comfort for so many of us. Denise’s leadership was marked by vision and inclusion, always striving to uplift others while never losing sight of the traditions that grounded her. Her laughter, her generosity, and her warm presence will be dearly missed but never forgotten. In honoring Denise, we celebrate a life dedicated to service, friendship, and the passionate belief that together, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and grace will live on in all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her step-daughters, Crystal Dull, Starla Colley, and Tena Colley; her grandchildren; her sister, Katie Cargill; and her brothers, Patrick and Scott Garrity. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Berl Colley, parents, Wayne and Virginia Garrity, and her brothers, Tim, David, and Daniel Garrity.
A memorial service was held at Grace Community Bible Church in Richmond, Tex. on July 19th; an online celebration of life was held August 2nd.
The family asks that any donations be made to the American Council of the Blind, 6200 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Suite 155, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Caption:
Denise Colley, sporting a black dress with a pinkish-orange floral print, a two-layer white beaded necklace, and matching earrings, smiles as she enjoys the 2022 convention banquet. (Photo by Dennis Becker.)