Violet Catherine Cole

Violet Catherine (Harrison) Cole, 96, of Killen, AL (formerly of Waynesboro, TN), passed away March 5, 2013. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 8, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Baptist Cemetery in Waynesboro, TN. The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Home in Waynesboro, TN. Bob Pickett and Craig Mason will officiate. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Violet was born on Valentine’s Day in Lauderdale County, AL, but spent most of her life in Wayne County, TN. In 1942, she married Eugene Cole of Waynesboro. After traveling with her husband in the service for several years and working as a beautician, Violet and Eugene settled down at the Cole family farm on Hardin’s Creek. She was an extremely patriotic lady with a passion for service to her country and others. She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church where she taught the Sunbeams for over 30 years and was a lifelong member of the American Legion in Waynesboro and later in Florence. She held various local and state offices in the American Legion and the Democrat Club. Affectionately known as Mamma, she will be remembered for her love of the outdoors, her garden, and especially her family. Writing poems, cards, letters, and notes gave her joy and displayed her creative nature. In the early 1990s, she moved back to Lauderdale County and lived next door to her daughter in Killen. While living in Killen, she attended Harrison Chapel United Methodist Church, which was named after her great-grandfather. She loved everyone, lived life to the fullest, and never met a stranger. Her smile was contagious, her personality exceptional, and her charm and charisma touched everyone. During life’s trials and tribulations, she was a cornerstone to everyone around her. Mamma’s family was the center of her world. She was preceded in death by her parents-Oliver and Mattie Castleberry Harrison; her husband of 39 years-Eugene Cole; a daughter-Janetta Skelton; a son-David Harrison Cole; a son-in-law: Donnie Martin; a grandson-Gary Eugene Skelton; a granddaughter-Misty Cole Pickett; three sisters-Estella McMurtrey, Faye Johns, and Nina Ratchford; three brothers-Jimmy, Ralph, and Milner Harrison; and a special friend-Pete Beckham. Survivors include her son-Gerald E. Cole (Judy) of Waynesboro, TN; two daughters-Pamela Grigsby (Jesse) and Sheila Martin both of Killen, AL; five grandchildren-Amy Gatlin, Jason Grigsby (Kristy), Jeremy Grigsby, Jonathan Martin, and Cayce Summers; sisters-Mable Fullerton and Jean Penn (Frank); brother-in-law: Billy Cole (Hazel); two sister-in-laws: Mary Catherine Cole and Marietta Daniels; and several nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for all of the visits, cards, gifts, phone calls, and prayers. Special thanks to Dr. David Hollis and staff; Dr. John Bartmess; the staff at Mitchell Hollingsworth-Station 2; Hospice of the Shoals; and Roger Balentine and staff at Shackelford Funeral Home.