REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

"Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

Deaconess Ethel V. Cole (nee Johnson) departed this life suddenly, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Ethel "Sis," as she was affectionately known, was born July 3, 1927. The first of thirteen children born to the late Oliver and Ethelene Johnson. She was preceded in death by a son, Earl Franklin Cole. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Oliver, Sandy, and Gandy Johnson and four sisters, Helen King, Kathryn King, Joyce Johnson, and Jean Hopson.

Sis graduated in 1946 from John J. Wright High School. At an early age she was baptized and became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Beaverdam, Virginia where she served faithfully until her health began to fail. Sis was the last surviving member of the church's first Deaconess ministry. She served in many capacities including Church Clerk for over 30 years, President of the Senior Choir, Secretary of the Deaconess Ministry, Secretary of the Missionary Ministry, member of the Pastor's Aide Club, Willing Worker's Club, Hospitality Committee, and Sunday School Teacher. Sis was very supportive spiritually and financially to Mt. Olive Baptist Church. In acknowledgement of her faithful service, she was named Mother of the Church. Sis loved God, her church, family and friends. She was a mentor to many, very kindhearted, and had a giving spirit. Sis was firm in her beliefs, strong in her convictions, and stood for what was right, even if it meant standing alone.

She was very jovial and loved to tease family and friends. Sis loved to sing old gospel hymns and spend time with her family. She was known for her beautiful smile, delicious cooking, fashionable hats, and unique style. She loved to cook for the church and her family. Sis was the "Matriarch" of her family and will be greatly missed.

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Frank Henry Cole, the love of her life for seventy plus years. To this union two children were born, Rosetta and the late Earl Franklin who died in infancy. Rose and her mom were an inseparable duo; where you saw one, you saw the other! Along with her faithful husband and devoted daughter, to continue her legacy of love, are her sisters, Margaret Roye (William); Ruby Washington (Carroll, deceased); Dorothy Boone (Robert, deceased); Nancy Bray (John, deceased); Linda Moore (Carroll); two sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, family and friends.