Mary Frances "Cookie" (Coney) Doles

Mrs. Mary Frances “Cookie” (Coney) Doles, age 60, went home to be with her Lord when she passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family at her side. Born in Vienna, Georgia on January 4, 1956, Mary Frances was the daughter of the late Walter James and Ethel (Lester) Coney. She also knew the parental love of her step-father Lemon Pearson. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1975. On August 27, 1988 Cookie married her high school sweetheart, Peter Doles, and shared with him a union blessed with two beautiful daughters and their families. Cookie started her working career in healthcare as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, a position for which she was well-suited because she was a benevolent soul blessed with a caring nature for others. She was employed at Broadacres Nursing Facility, the Masonic Care Community of NY, and various area facilities. She also held a position as a New York State Toll Collector for a time. But her most cherished calling was working alongside her sister at Flatcher’s Hair Designs. Cookie had the gift of grace and was able to make anyone she met feel special and welcomed. To know her was to love her. She also had a great sense of humor and at times would laugh till her tears ran a river and torrents of laughter filled the room. Miss Cookie brought warmth and light wherever she went. She lived life as if every day was her birthday! As her nickname hinted, she was an accomplished baker, known for her specialty cakes, most notably her caramel cake and pineapple upside-down cake…made from scratch! Cookie was a member of the Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ. She drew strength from her faith and was a fighter for all that was humble and holy. Her greatest gift was the life that God granted her… along with his tender mercies that allowed her to triumph over the trials and tribulations she met during her journey. Mary Frances is survived by her best friend, Peter Doles; her daughters, Sabrina N. Doles, and Rashida J. Doles and Mark Peak, all of Utica; and her grandchildren, Ajanae Doles, Ariel Johnson; Kweli Howard, Taniya Howard, and Zaafira Peak. She will also be remembered by her sisters and brother-in-law, Flatcher and Larry Beavers of Utica, and Dorothy Spivey; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Willie J. and Jean Coney of Georgia, Joseph Coney, and J.W. Asbell and Josephine, all of Buffalo; and a host of nieces, and nephews, with special mention of Curtiss and Randall Beavers; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her brother, Alfonso Coney; her sister, Pearl Miller; and her brother-in-law, Herman Spivey. The family is grateful to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room staff for all their efforts. Visitation will be held Friday, December 30 from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ, 1309 Howard Avenue. Mary Frances’ funeral service and Home Going Celebration will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon at the church upon the conclusion of visitation with Elder Richard Lockridge officiating the ceremony. Committal prayers and Interment will follow graveside in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mary Frances "Cookie" (Coney) Doles

January 4, 1956 - December 23, 2016