Obituary of Barbara Colleen Weekley

Barbara Colleen Weekley, 87, a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community in Meadville, PA passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Colleen was born on May 11, 1929, in Pleasantville to the late Arthur (Pud) and Annis Carson Weekley. She was a graduate of Pleasantville High School, class of 1947, Houghton College class of 1952, and earned her Master’s degree from SUNY-Geneseo, NY. She took courses at Allegheny College and at the University of London, England in preparation for teaching in Nigeria W. Africa where her main goal there was to train the Nigerians to be teachers. Colleen returned to the states and taught one year at SUNY at Geneseo, NY. Her next move was to become the Principal at Arkport High School, NY, where she taught there for 5 years before becoming principle. She remained principle until her retirement 27 years later. The next career move found her as director for the Hornell Chapter of the American Red Cross for 41/2 years. During most of those years she was an advocate for women in prison. She stated her greatest reward was working with a 19 year old, literate in jail. She learned to read at the second grade level in a year and the sheriff said she never returned to jail. It taught her that a person could make a difference. She served for 20 years on the Board of Snell Farm, a residential program for delinquent boys, the chair of Attica Prison and Groveland Prison Visitor Centers. She received a Legislative Resolution from the State of New York honoring her for her work upon her retirement. In 1994 she was honored as a “Distinguished Alumni of Houghton College”. She also received The County Award recognizing her community service along with numerous other awards. Colleen was a member of the Pleasantville United Methodist Church, the Pleasantville Woman’s Club, she served on the community festival committee, historical society and senior citizens. She enjoyed traveling and reading. In 1999 Colleen moved back to Pleasantville to be close to her family. She is survived by a sister, Jean Atkins of Titusville; a niece, Susan Phillips and husband Sam; a nephew, Randal Atkins and wife Connie; and numerous great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother in law, Ray Atkins; and niece, Linda Graham. A memorial service will be conducted for family and friends at the Pleasantville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 1st at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasantville United Methodist Church 427 N. Main St., Pleasantville, PA 16341 or to the Pleasantville Vol. Fire Department, Pleasantville, PA 16341.