Nyisha Coley, whose 'heart was truly touched by God,' dies at 25

In the last couple of years, Nyisha Brooke Jones Coley really blossomed spiritually.

"The past two years, her heart was truly touched by God," said her brother Michael Coley, "and she shared everything she knew about the Bible and righteousness with any and all whom she loved and knew."

In fact, Nyisha, who had worked in security, had decided to return to school and take courses to prepare herself for the ministry.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Nyisha died of cancer Dec. 9. She was 25 and lived in Upper Darby.

Nyisha was born in Philadelphia to Michael and Phyllis Coley. She graduated from Upper Darby High School.

She joined St. Paul's Baptist Church at 10th and Wallace streets two years ago and became an active member. She took over the fundraising program of tea parties, which had been allowed to languish before she arrived.

"I lost the greatest sister that God could have blessed anyone with," Michael said. "Her beautiful smile lit up any room she stepped into."

"Her grandmother and aunt will surely miss waking up every Sunday and going to church with their dear Nyisha, her uncle will miss joking with her and watching those crazy, silly movies, and her Aunt Vickie will miss the frequent visits from Nyisha," Michael said.

Besides her brother and parents, she is survived by another brother, Philip Coley.

Services: 11 a.m. today at St. Paul's Baptist Church. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Woolston Avenue and Easton Road.