Noel Webley

Noel Arnold Webley II, affectionately known as "Nino," was born to Noel Arnold and Ruth (Joseph) Webley Sr. on December 25, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended St. Andrews Catholic Elementary and then went on to Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, where he participated in track and field, football, and cross country. After graduating from Catholic Central in 1963, and the former Grand Rapids Junior College in 1965, he transferred to Western Michigan University where he pursued a career in art education. At Western Michigan University, he also became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Soon after graduating from WMU in 1967, Noel began teaching in the Grand Rapids Public Schools at Burton Junior High. He was eventually assigned to Ottawa Hills High School where he was appointed head of the art department. There he worked with three other teachers to develop an innovative art curriculum that served 600 students per day and included a variety of art genres. He was intentional about helping students to express themselves through art and encouraged young people to trust their artistic abilities. While working for GRPS, Noel met his wife, Pamela and the two married on August 4, 1979. Noel retired from GRPS in 2001, after 34 years of service. In addition to art, Noel was also interested in music and photography from a young age. He attributes his creative interests to his talented mother Ruth, who was a classical pianist and his first art teacher. In 1972, he began performing jazz at his father's nightclub playing the bass. From there he went on to play with various local musicians. After retiring from the GRPS, Noel focused more on his musical career and created several bands that performed all around the community. Inspired by the camera he received as a Christmas present in 8th grade, Noel aspired to become a photographer in 1979. He took community photography courses and was hired by the Organizer Newspaper and eventually the Grand Rapids Press as a newspaper freelancer in 1984. In 1989, he left teaching to work full time at the Grand Rapids Press. His specialty was photographing professional and big college sports. Noel went back to teaching in 1991, but continued to work for the Press part time, a career that spanned nearly 25 years. In 2019, Noel was a recipient of the Dr. MaLinda Sapp Legacy Award for his leadership to ongoing diversity efforts and accomplishments. Noel was more than a teacher, photographer, and musician. He made an effort to be a positive influence to everyone he encountered. His approach was being direct and truthful, combined with fairness and humor. He opened his home to family, friends and students, and encouraged people to show care and compassion to others. His warmth and kindness has touched so many hearts and endeared him to many in the community and abroad. Noel passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at his home on Friday, February 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth VE Webley; father, Noel A. Webley Sr.; brother, Victor Webley; and sister, Lynden Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 41 years, Pamela; children, Noel Webley III; Jason (Leonor) Webley of Grand Rapids, MI; Erin (fiance, Paul Miller) of Atlanta, GA; Kerel (Keyona) Webley of Atlanta, GA; 10 grandchildren, Amelia, Zana, Nola, Jason, Ann Marie, Jayden, Kiara, Kaliyah, Naomi, and Kai; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Dale (Debra) Webley of West Bloomfield, MI; Lance Webley of Chicago, IL; and Maria Webley of Atlanta, GA; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Per his wishes cremation has taken place, a memorial service is being planned, and will be announced as soon as details become available. Noel's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Spectrum Health Hospice for the care and compassion they have shown throughout this difficult time. We also want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the thoughtfulness and many acts of love, concern, kind words, and prayers from friends and loved ones. Your outpour of love has touched us deeply. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Noel Webley, please visit our flower store.