Carol Jean Cole

Born March 17, 1950 in Marion, Indiana to Dalbert T. and Laura “Liz” (Michael) Meisberger, she married William “Bill” Cole on August 18, 1973 in Marion, Indiana.

Surviving is her husband of 51 years; three daughters, Katie (Jon) Webster of New Hampshire; Bethany (Steven) Chmil of Togo, West Africa; and Dory (Nathan) Ogden of Indianapolis, Indiana; one son, Tim (Erin) Cole of Peoria; 18 grandchildren - twin granddaughters Grace and London Webster, Titus Webster, Corban Webster, Karissa Chmil, Hudson Chmil, Allie Chmil, Gus Chmil, Irene Chmil, twin grandsons Landon and Tyler Cole, Eden Cole, Piper Cole, Lorelai Cole, Hannah Ogden, Madison Ogden, Lydia Ogden, and William Ogden; two sisters, Ellen (Jerry) Dean of Wisconsin and Sarah Melford of Indiana; and one brother, Mark (Sandy) of Tennessee.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Carol taught at Faith Baptist Christian School in Pekin for 16 years, retiring in 2017.

She enjoyed knitting, gardening, reading, and traveling with her husband, Bill. Her greatest enjoyment was spending quality time with her family.

Carol was a dedicated and faithful member of Elmwood Baptist Church and was a former member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Shawn Haynie and Pastor Chip Herbert will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Bon Berger, a local Christian school in Mango, Togo, at https://give.abwe.org/projects/mango-christian-school-le-bon-berger

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com