Anne Merriman Cole

Anne Cole, 83, died Sunday morning at Rex Hospital with her family by her side as she entered peacefully into the presence of God. She was born in Raleigh, NC to William Watkins Merriman, Jr. and Lois Jones Merriman. She lived her early years in rural Wake County near Wake Crossroads and then moved to Raleigh.

She graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School with the class of 1950 and then went on to Woman's College (now UNC-G), where she graduated with a degree in Business in 1954. She married in 1955 and became a military wife, spending the next two decades living in five different states and two different countries. She returned to Raleigh where she was a long time employee of the North Carolina General Assembly, retiring as the Supervisor of House Committee Clerks.

She is survived by her son William Cyril Cole and wife Barbara of Greensboro; sister, Shirley Merriman Faulk of Raleigh; and her brother, William Watkins Merriman III and wife Sarah of Wilmington. She was the proud grandmother of Lauren Elizabeth Verlander, David Merriman Cole, William James Cole, and Allyson Catherine Cole. She also had the privilege of being a great-grandmother to Kit and Davis Verlander. She leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Aunt Roonie.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, David Merriman Cole.

She leaves behind a legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who learned from her the importance of a relationship with God, loving your family, and helping others.

Her memorial service will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W. Edenton St. , Raleigh at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6th, 2016. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 East Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.