Edna Cole

April 11, 1931 – October 4, 2024

Kinston-Edna Ruth Haddock Cole, 93, peacefully departed from her temporary life to enter life eternal on Friday, October 4, 2024. Edna was born in “Rabbittown” to the late John Paul Haddock and Daisy Mae Carlyle Haddock on April 11, 1931. Alongside her parents, Edna was reunited with her husband, William “Bill” Odis Cole; her siblings; John Paul Haddock Jr., Effie H. Smith, and Pauline H. Hughes and a granddaughter, Sierra Danielle Lanier.

Around the home, Edna spent much of her time tending to her flowers, sewing, and cooking. Trips to the beach with family were always a highlight, and the chance to square dance with her husband was an occasion she enjoyed as often as the dance floor was open. An avid reader, Edna compiled a vast library of favorites throughout her life, possessing more than 3,000 novels, cookbooks, and miscellaneous genres that provided entertainment and escape for her. Though her collection was large, Edna began every day reading her favorite book, the Bible, and followed this with watching Dr. Charles Stanley and completing her daily devotion. Her day began and ended with communication with her Lord, a testament of the deep relationship she had forged.

Fiercely grounded in her faith, Edna was a member of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church. She lived her faith openly and was ready to share it with any who would listen, as her faith was often the subject of conversation with those she encountered.

Edna’s love and devotion to family was notably the central focus of her days. She made sure to attend every ball game, dance recital, karate match, and piano recital for her children and grandchildren. She was always devoted to them in word and deed, proving to be their biggest cheerleader.

A great collector of various items, Edna didn’t believe in getting rid of anything. She recognized the sentimentality of the items she had, and could recall fond memories with each item she possessed.

A memorial service to celebrate Edna’s life will be held at Rouse Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The family will receive friends following the service.

Edna is survived by her sons, William Michael “Mike” Cole and wife Janie, and Timothy Paul “Tim” Cole, Sr. and wife, Ann; daughter, Donna Cole Hunter and husband, Robert “Bob” Michael Hunter; grandchildren, Jessica Ruth Hunter DeFalco and husband, Robert Michael, William Buck Hunter, Jacob Michael Hunter, Amanda Melette Cole, Anna Michelle Fulp and husband, Dave, Timothy “Paul” Cole Jr. and wife, Meredith, and Ian Alexander Cole; and great-grandchildren, Peityn Raye Davis, Ashton A. Thomas, Charles Edward DeFalco, Lucas Cole DeFalco, Dawson Wyatt DeFalco, Addison Grey Hunter, and Greyson Scott Hunter.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring and attentive staff at Magnolia Cottage Care, including April, Michelle, and Darlene.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial contributions to assist in the recovery and relief efforts for Western North Carolina, in care of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, 601 Madison Avenue, Kinston, NC 28501. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.