Daryl Coley was a renowned gospel singer, music director, and pastor who had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. He was known for his distinctive vocal style that blended gospel, jazz, and contemporary Christian music. He had collaborated with many prominent artists, such as Edwin Hawkins, James Cleveland, Tramaine Hawkins, Nancy Wilson, and Philip Bailey. He had also released several acclaimed albums, such as Just Daryl, He’s Right On Time: Live From Los Angeles, and When The Music Stops. He was nominated for a Grammy award and honored by the BMI at their 15th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards
However, behind his musical success, Coley had a long and painful struggle with diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause various complications, such as kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, heart disease, and stroke
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How Coley Was Diagnosed with Diabetes
Coley first noticed the symptoms of diabetes in 1991, when he was celebrating his new fame and glory under Sparrow Records. He was experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. He ignored the signs and continued to work hard, until one day he collapsed on stage during a concert. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a type of diabetes that usually develops in children and young adults
Coley was shocked and devastated by the diagnosis, as he had no family history of diabetes. He wondered why God had allowed this to happen to him, and how he would cope with the disease. He said in an interview, “I was angry with God. I felt like He had let me down. I felt like I had done everything He had asked me to do, and then He turned around and did this to me.”
How Coley Managed His Diabetes
Coley realized that he had to make some changes in his lifestyle and diet to control his blood sugar levels and prevent further complications. He started to take insulin injections, monitor his glucose levels, and follow a strict regimen of eating and exercising. He also sought spiritual guidance and support from his family, friends, and fans. He said, “I had to learn to trust God and lean on Him. I had to learn to accept His will and His grace. I had to learn to be thankful for what I had, and not focus on what I didn’t have.”
Coley also continued to pursue his musical passion and ministry, despite the challenges and difficulties he faced. He said, “Music was my therapy. Music was my outlet. Music was my way of expressing myself and communicating with God. Music was my way of giving back to the people who loved me and prayed for me.”
He released several more albums, such as I’ll Be With You, Oh, The Lamb, and Praise and Worship. He also became more involved in the ministry, where he and Nancy Sellers hosted a radio show in his home Bay Area called God Said I Can, a medium he spoke to many ministers and artists about. He also founded the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Los Angeles, where he served as the senior pastor
How Coley Died of Diabetes
Unfortunately, Coley’s health deteriorated over the years, as diabetes took a toll on his body and organs. He suffered from various complications, such as kidney failure, nerve damage, and temporary blindness. He had to undergo dialysis, surgery, and other treatments to manage his condition. He also had to deal with the emotional and mental stress of living with a chronic illness. He said, “It was hard. It was painful. It was lonely. It was scary. It was depressing. It was frustrating. It was overwhelming.”
Coley passed away on March 15, 2016, at the age of 60, after succumbing to his long battle with diabetes. He died in the hospital next to his family, who tried everything to make him feel comfortable. He is survived by his wife Jenelle Coley and his three children, including his son Te’Ceion Coley
Coley’s death was mourned by many people who admired and appreciated his music and ministry. He was remembered as a gospel legend, a musical genius, a faithful servant, and a loving husband and father. He was also praised for his courage, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. He was an inspiration and a role model for many people who are living with diabetes or other chronic conditions. He said, “I want to be remembered as someone who loved God, loved people, and loved music. I want to be remembered as someone who used his gifts and talents to glorify God and bless others. I want to be remembered as someone who fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Conclusion
Daryl Coley was a gospel singer who had a remarkable career and a painful struggle with diabetes. He was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 1991, and had to cope with various complications and challenges. He managed his diabetes by making lifestyle and diet changes, taking insulin injections, and seeking spiritual guidance and support. He also continued to pursue his musical passion and ministry, despite the difficulties he faced. He died of kidney failure in 2016, after losing his battle with diabetes. He was remembered as a gospel legend, a musical genius, a faithful servant, and a loving husband and father. He was also an inspiration and a role model for many people who are living with diabetes or other chronic conditions. He was a true example of how to live and die with grace and dignity.