Gwendolyn Peck Cole

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Peck Cole was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 3, 2014. She died peacefully at the age of 91 following a rich and full life of love and compassion for her family and friends.

Funeral services for Gwen will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches with Rev. John Bingham, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at Stephen F. Austin State University, Baker Pattillo Twilight Ballroom located in the University Student Center on campus.

Gwen was born June 4, 1922, in Hamburg, Arkansas. She was predeceased by her parents, Callie Sanford Peck and Emma Chavis Peck; sister, Flora Peck Temple; brothers, Cliff Peck, Richard Peck, Paul Peck, Milton Peck, and Wilbur “Bud” Peck; and nieces, Sandra Peck Stevens and Aubrey Jean Tubbs.

Her mother and father died at an early age and Gwen was reared in Shreveport, Louisiana, by her sister, Flora Temple, and family. She graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport and attended Draughn’s Business School. She worked for 26 years at Home Federal Savings and Loan until she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Edward Cole, February 14, 1966, the beginning of a 48-year marriage of devoted love, happiness, and faith in God and in each other. She also was co-owner of Cole Rental Tools. They lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, until they retired to Nacogdoches in 1978.

Gwen was a beautiful lady known for her kindness to others, for her truly wonderful sense of fun and good humor, and her devotion to her family and friends. She was always there to help and assist others. Those who knew her will never forget her sweet smile and loving personality. She embraced life with remarkable courage and grace, enjoying the rewards of a loving family and a host of devoted friends whose memory of all of the moments with her will be treasured forever.

Gwen and Ed had a deep love for the city of Nacogdoches, First United Methodist Church, Stephen F. Austin State University, and all the good friends they made through these connections.

She was a longtime devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches, being active in United Methodist Women and many church related activities.

Gwen and Ed had a passion for education and through their generous donations to Stephen F. Austin State University have given many the chance of an education. Not only have they established scholarships for students, but their support has made possible the establishment of many new facilities on the campus such as Ed and Gwen Cole Student Success Center, Cole Arts Center, Ed and Gwen Cole Concert Hall, Ed and Gwen Cole Simulation Lab at Dewitt Nursing Center and Audio and Simulation Lab. They always said, “they never had the chance for a college education, so they wanted to make sure others had the opportunity they didn’t have.” This has shown in their love and generosity. Among SFA’s greatest advocates since moving to Nacogdoches in 1978, they remain active supporters of many programs including academics, athletics, and arts.

Gwen has served on many committees and received many awards. Among these are: Eagle Award for Community Leadership, Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Scholarship, Heritage Hall of Fame, President of the Ladyjacks Booster Club, Timber Springs Retirement Center Board Member, Delettante Study Group, AAUW Nacogdoches Branch Woman of the Year 1994, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Award 1986, Outstanding Woman of Nacogdoches Arts Women’s Hall of Fame 1997.

Gwen is survived by her husband and best friend, Ed Cole of Nacogdoches; a sister-in-law, Mary Peck Cobb of Conyers, Georgia; nieces and nephews, Martha Randolph of Jackson, Mississippi, Sheila Peck of Jacksonville, Florida, Rhonda Peck Dixon of Elberton, Georgia, Paula Peck of Dillon, South Carolina, David Peck of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Richard Peck Jr. of Bradford, Rhode Island, Michael H. Peck of Huntsville, Alabama, Paul S. Peck of Dahlonega, Georgia, and Paul C. Peck Jr. of Suwanee, Georgia.

She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Special “Thank-you” goes to her caretakers who took such good care of her during her last days: Laporche Williams, Latoya Hill, Octavia Kidd, Taymesha Hill, and Lildia Cruz.

Pallbearers are nephews and great-nephews: David M. Peck, Paul S. Peck, Paul C. Peck, Charles W. Tubbs, Howard Randolph, and Steven Randolph.

Honorary pallbearers are members of Open Door Sunday School Class, Dilettante Study Group, and United Methodist Women.

At the family’s request, memorials in honor of Gwen Cole may be made in lieu of flowers to First United Methodist Church and Stephen F. Austin College of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), or a charity of your choice.

Services are under the direction and care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.