A Conyers teacher who was killed on Christmas Day was remembered by her friends for spreading joy and love.
Tyeisha Colley, 35, of Forsyth was fatally shot Wednesday evening in Monroe in an incident that also injured her husband, Jermaul Colley, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported. Later that night, police arrested 21-year-old Devin Sullivan on charges of murder and aggravated assault, officials said. He was booked into the Walton County jail where he remained Friday without bond.
Police have not disclosed a possible motive. Family members told Channel 2 Action News that Sullivan was Colley’s nephew. Colley’s father, Johnny Atkinson, told the news station that he didn’t hear any arguing or know that Sullivan had a gun before shots were fired.
A career teacher and faith leader, Tyeisha Colley died at a time when she had many blessings to appreciate, friends told the AJC.
“She was truly the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Stefani Simmons, her former co-worker, in a phone interview. “She just made everyone feel like sunshine.”
Simmons said she and Colley worked together at T.G. Scott Elementary School in Monroe County for a year and kept in touch after Colley moved on to Salem High School in Rockdale County.
The Colleys faced health issues as they tried to grow their family, leading them to adopt three children before Tyeisha gave birth to their “miracle baby” in July 2023, Simmons said. The family was planning to leave for a trip to Walt Disney World after Christmas, she said.
A Rockdale County Public Schools spokesperson said the district and Salem High School “are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our faculty members.”
“Grief counselors will be made available for students, staff and families when they return after the December break. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Colley’s family and friends at this difficult time,” the statement said.
Simmons launched an online fundraiser on behalf of Colley’s family to support her four children and help cover Jermaul’s medical bills. Monroe police have not shared further information about his injuries, but Simmons said she spoke with him and he was released from the hospital on the same day of the shooting.
The fundraising page describes Colley as “a devoted wife, an incredible mother to her four children, a passionate teacher and a friend who always made everyone feel like family.”
“Guided by her faith, Tyeisha lived a life centered on caring for others,” Simmons wrote on a GoFundMe post. ”Whether she was nurturing her students, supporting her church community, or being the rock her family relied on, she gave selflessly and loved deeply. Her warm smile and generous spirit brightened the lives of everyone she met.”
In addition to her career in education, Colley was a minister at the First African Baptist Church of Monroe alongside her husband and her parents, Johnny and Tina Atkinson, who are deacons there.
“This tragic incident has indeed left a hole in our hearts,” said church representatives, in a statement. “We are in utter disbelief and wished this was just a dream!”
Simmons said she was especially heartbroken for Colley’s children.
“The most magical day of the year was taken from them, and it will forever be the anniversary of losing their sweet mama,” she said.
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