"Tibbie" Elizabeth Cole

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020 in the Chapel of WEST/HURTT Funeral Home in DeSoto. (we will practice 50% occupancy, social distancing, and everyone must wear a mask!  Thank you for protecting each other and yourselves.)

Elizabeth "Tibbie" Ann Cole, 86, entered her heavenly home early on the morning of July 22, 2020. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 67 years, Kenneth Cole; their sons: Ken M. Cole and wife, Dolores J. Cole, and Larry E. Cole and wife, Mary R. Cole; their grandchildren: Kenneth R. Cole, Dustin R. Cole, Michael P. Cole, Kyle R. Cole and wife, Patrice D. Griffin-Cole, and Amber "Ellee" E. Cole; five great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tibbie was born on April 2, 1934 in Bokchito (Banty), OK, where after graduating high school, met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Cole. Throughout her life, she lived in Norfolk, VA; Midwest City, OK; Clovis, CA; DeSoto, TX; and eventually retired at Cedar Creek Lake in Mabank, TX.

Tibbie had various jobs over the years, which included working as a switchboard operator for Sears and bookkeeper and receptionist for a dental office. Her favorite role was that of homemaker and caring for her family. She was active in her community, a member of the PTA, and instrumental in initiating the first hearing test program for schools in Midwest City, OK, Clovis, CA, and DeSoto, TX. She held positions at her local POA, including Treasurer, and diligently worked with local government to secure a grant for the expansion of the city sewer system to the properties in Cedar Branch Park. Additionally, she was a devoted volunteer with the East Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, both of which were especially dear to her.

Tibbie enjoyed crafting, gardening, and collecting. She baked ceramics in her kiln and painted and personalized many special pieces for her family. She had an authentic green thumb and at one time cared for over one-hundred potted plants. She was an avid collector of Precious Moments figurines and loved to crochet to the testament of many that still own her blankets.

Tibbie loved music, and she loved to sing. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing with her husband in the church and Avanti choirs. She was involved in many church activities and bible studies.  Tibbie's strong faith and love of the Lord was reflected in her joyful spirit and everyday life.

Above all, Tibbie loved her family and made family time a priority. She enjoyed life and making special memories through every day living. Her generous, kind, welcoming spirit, and her wit and sense of humor were endearing to all who met her. She had a hearty, genuine laugh that was contagious, and she never met a stranger. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the East Texas Food Bank or Meals on Wheels.   There is a space to note “in Memory Of” and this ensures donations go to the local organizations she worked with.

East Texas Food Bank: https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/donatenow/

Meals on Wheels: https://mowmet.networkforgood.com/projects/70199-online-giving

John 14: 1-3 -- Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.