Georgia Leatrice Echols Cole lived her life as a caring, compassionate, concerned wife, mother, sister, friend, educator and Christian who made people from all ethnicities and socioeconomic classes feel special. She entered into eternal life on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the age of 80.
Affectionately known as “Sister” Georgia was born and reared on her family’s farm in Lawrence
County, Moulton, Alabama on October 16, 1936. She was the second of six children born to the late George Lelton Echols and Estella Love Echols. Not only did she credit her late parents for her unique/structured upbringing but, her grandfather Ben Echols (“Big Daddy”). He would often say, “Try to have something and get on top of the world.” She was taught at an early age to always be able to give back and to share your blessings with others.
Georgia was a member of the 4-H Club where she won first place in the apron contest and a 1954 graduate of Moulton High School, Moulton Alabama. On August 21, 1957 in a garden ceremony at the home of her parents, she married Wilberforce “Will” Cole of Killen, Alabama whom she met at a gospel meeting. She had a thirst for knowledge and education and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in education in 1958 from Alabama State University, Montgomery,
Alabama. She continued her educational studies and acquired a Master’s degree as a reading specialist from Florence State Teachers College (University of North Alabama) in 1970.
She trained minds, minded hearts, and molded character and built confidence. Georgia taught with a vision to shape the future, taught with love to help shape the world. She taught students to have a conscience, live on earth, face struggles and improve their self-worth. Her teaching career expanded almost 34 years. She began her teaching career in public education in the rural schools of Lauderdale County: Greenhill, Bethel ,West End, Lauderdale County High School, and Lexington High School, where she retired in 1992.
Georgia was a hardworking, dedicated Christian, who had a commitment to worship the Lord and walk in a manner pleasing unto him and was a member of the Northside Church of Christ in Center Star. She raised Patshenia and Katernia to believe in the Lord through Sunday school, Bible Studies and Teachings and through experiences of everyday life. She performed many tasks at the church such as Sunday school teacher, organized church dinners and financial support. She served the church passionately with zeal and steadfastness in whatever capacity needed/required of her. Georgia and Will were known in the Church of Christ community for their signature dishes, her salads and desserts and his turkey and dressing. Through the years they opened their home to Christians far and near. They also helped to support students who attended International Bible College (Heritage Christian University), Florence and worked with the Bowser Memorial Workers helped to raise monies for scholarships, so students could attend Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 ½ years, Wilberforce “Will” Cole and her eldest sister, Louise Echols Wilhite.
Cherishing her memory are: caring and devoted daughters and compassionate son-in-law: Patshenia Shelaine Cole, Killen, Alabama and Katernia Williane Cole Coffey and Willie Henry Coffey, Leighton, Alabama; sister, Loretta Echols Noland (Carl), Tuscaloosa, Alabama; brothers,
Dr. Richard Echols (Barbara) of Baker, Louisiana, Jimmy Echols (Gloria) of Afton, Minnesota, and Dr. Ben Echols (Debra) of Houston, Texas; brothers- in- law, Paul Cole (Annie) and Calvin Cole (Mary), Sheffield, Alabama; sisters- in – law, Ruth Tyler, of Waukegan, Illinois, Dorothy Cole, of Detroit, Michigan, Rosie Cole and Willodean Younger of Florence, Alabama and Pearline Cole of Sheffield, Alabama; one aunt, Bessie Boyd Echols of Moulton, Alabama. Also mourning her death are, devoted nephew Dwight Cole, Florence, Alabama; special and caring friends, Jessie Fuqua, Rogersville, Alabama, Bettey Ivey, Ruby Bailey and Willa Yarbrough, all of Athens, Alabama and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017, Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama.
Services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017, 11a.m. at Florence Boulevard Church of Christ, Florence, Alabama, with Brother Jerry Lankford officiating. Burial will be in Tri Cities Memorial Gardens, Florence, Alabama.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florene, directing
