Florence Parker Cole

Florence Parker Cole passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Birmingham, AL. She was born on March 23, 1932 to Helen Rockwood Parker and William Parker in New Rochelle, New York. Florence earned a B.A, Degree in Childhood Education, 1954, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, was a member of Alpha Xi Delta, chapter Alpha Phi, initiated 1951.While in college she met her future husband, George William Cole and later they were married on August 13, 1955. Their union was blessed with 4 children.

She committed her life to Christ and His church at an early age. Since 1966, was a member of Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church where she has served as a deacon, elder, teacher, choir member, hand bell choir member, Chancel Guild member, Circle Member/ Officer, and as an Officer of "Presbyterian Women".

Through her many busy years on this earth, Florence's joys always focused on her children and then grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren, while never neglecting her husband of 66 years, or the ever growing extended family of nieces and nephews and in laws, that all really became intimate family to her. Aside from her family activities, Florence was a regular attendee at Music Club, Garden Club, PEO, Antiquarian, and Wayfarers. (over 50 years as a Girl Scout).

Florence loved music and had played the violin in the college orchestra.

In 1986, Florence was the recipient of the Alpha Xi Delta "Woman of Distinction Award" recognizing Alumnae members who "exhibit excellence and outstanding leadership in their profession and careers or service to their community." As written in her nomination letter “Florence has been successful in all areas of her life beginning with her family. During the early years of marriage, Florence elected to leave her teaching career after children arrived, not "giving it all up" but transferring her energies and applying her experiences to her own children. As they grew, she became involved where they had become involved. In doing this, she did not dominate them, but supported and encouraged them. She is still loyal to and active in these same groups, though her children are grown, as she holds all these institutions very worthwhile, not only for them but for future generations as well. In any group to which she belongs, she is always a participator, not merely an attendee."

Florence Cole also received the “Thanks Badge” from the Cahaba Girl Scout Council. This honor is awarded to a volunteer for outstanding service, significantly above the expected performance that benefits the total Girl Scout council.

Florence Parker Cole is preceded in death by her brother, Garth Rockwood Parker, and Sister in law, Rosalie Coe Seely-Brown Parker.

Florence was survived by George William Cole, Jr, (Karen), Cynthia Cole Garwick, (John Earl Garwick), Richard Steven Cole, (Lydia Kling) Robert Arthur Cole (Angela White).

Her Grandchildren include George William Cole III, (Allison), Dallas Mactier (Dr. Mitchell), Brent Cole, John Cole Garwick (Caroline Wilkinson), Richard Steven Cole, Jr.,(Lynn Lowe) Austin James Cole ( Victoria Morrisson), Jordan Paul Cole, Lauren Cole Litchfield,(Frank), and Tyler Cole. She also has 6 Great Grandchildren, Ava Hayes, Fitz, Evie James, Caleb, Weston, and Eloise that she loved dearly.

Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 11:00 – 12:00 at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church located at 3405 Brookwood Road Mountain Brook, AL 35223. Thereafter a Memorial Service celebrating the life of Florence Cole will begin at 12:00 and be followed by a Graveside Service at 2:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on 475 Cahaba Valley Road Pelham, AL 35124.