COKLEY, Desoline – of Burton, MI, age 92, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1 PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton St., Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski celebrant. Entombment will take place following the Mass at St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 5-7 PM Monday, July 21, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM Monday. There will be one hour visitation prior to the Mass on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “James and Desoline Cokley Family Fund” through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint or St. John Catholic Church.
Desoline was born in Flint, MI, on August 21, 1932, to the late John and Violet (Poli) Fabris. She was a 1950 graduate of Flint Tech High School and also attended the Honolulu Conservatory of Music, where she became an accomplished accordionist. She performed professionally at many venues in the Flint Area, on a radio show, and at numerous family gatherings.
On September 5, 1953, Desoline married her high school sweetheart, James C. Cokley, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and they recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. Together, they founded JC Cokley Tile & Terrazzo (1956), Genesee Ceramic Tile (1973), All Safe Storage (1997), and Crystal Fieldhouse (2014). Desoline was a devout Catholic throughout her life, a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Francis of Xavier, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. JC and Desoline also established the “James and Desoline Cokley Family Scholarship Fund” for U of M Flint School of Management students and the “James and Desoline Cokley Family Fund” through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to help others.
Desoline enjoyed raising her six children and was active with them in many activities, including serving as a Cub Scout den mother and religious education teacher. She also loved music, art, reading, praying, and was known for her kind heart and love for animals. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Randy) Leach, John (Michaelle) Cokley, Lisa Haas, and James (Ellen) Cokley; daughter-in-law, Marites Cokley; grandchildren, William J. (Danielle) Cokley Jr., Matthew (Deepti) Leach, Marianne (Joshua) Graham, Mark Leach, Rourke Haas, Heidi Haas, John (Paige) Cokley, and Kayden Cokley; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Geraldine Zandi and MaryAnn Isaacson; brother-in-law, Gerald Deibis; and many other loving family members and friends.
Desoline was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Cokley; her daughter, Laura Angel Cokley; her son, William Cokley Sr.; her son-in-law, Kevin Haas; her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Sharon Fabris; her brothers-in-law, Ron Isaacson and William Zandi; and her sister, Gloria Deibis.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tina at Reformation Home Health for the exceptional care she provided.