Dorothy L. Cole

Dot was born at home on Derbyshire Road in Henrico County, on November 12, 1929. She was the youngest of four surviving daughters born to Ella Collier Davis, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, and David Nathanial Davis, born in Goochland County in 1867. After her father died in 1934, it was especially tough for the family to make ends meet, and everyone had to pitch in. Dot's regular chores included hauling wood and fetching water from the spring. Despite a somewhat strenuous upbringing (by today's standards), Dot had fond memories of her childhood and never realized that her family was really poor. She left school at 14 to get a job, working at several companies in the Richmond area, including C.F. Sauer where she bottled spices and extracts of all kinds.

The family moved several times over the years, and would eventually move to Lakeside Avenue when Dot was in her mid-teens. Her sister Edna was dating Tom Shepperson, and they introduced her to Tom's friend, Garland “Junior” Cole. In July of 1948, both couples decided to elope, and were married in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The couples served as each others' witnesses. They traveled back to Buckroe Beach for the honeymoon. Junior was a plumber, working in his father's business. Dot continued working until their first son, Dennis, was born in 1949. Dennis, an avid and skilled golfer, served his country as a member of the United States Army in Vietnam. Within three years, two more sons were born -- Garland III (“Brother”) and Gary. Brother was a draftsman, and later was the Regional Maintenance Director for A & P. Gary, a talented golfer in his own right, would go on to work at A.H. Robins for many years until his death in 2004. The family moved to the wilderness (really!) of Short Pump in 1960, to a house Junior mostly built by himself. Their daughter, Robin, was born the next year. Robin, a long time employee of Life of Virginia/GE/Genworth is known as the family historian and most embodies Dot's spirit with her giving nature. Following Robin's birth, Dot returned to her job, now at A.H. Robins. After his father's passing, Junior went to work for Henrico County as a plumbing inspector.

Dot found great joy in being called “Granny” with the birth of her first grandchild, Carrie in 1974, born to Brother and his wife, Sue. The family suffered a terrible loss with Brother's sudden death. Brother died following a massive heart attack while on a business trip in 1977. He had been an outstanding athlete, playing on a Triple A softball team (Gerald's Truck Plaza). Through faith, strength and the resiliency displayed throughout her life, Dot was able to carry on for the next generation of Coles. Carrie would become the first on Dot's side of the family to attend and graduate from college when she obtained her bachelor's from Longwood University in 1996. Among her many accomplishments, Carrie would go on to bring four of Dot's beautiful great-grandchildren into the world.

Dot's second grandchild, Chris, was born in 1982 to Dennis and Barbara. In 1985, Junior died from heart failure (due mostly to the strain placed on his heart by asthma), just one month after retiring from Henrico County. Soon after Junior's death, Dot moved in with her sister Edna, who had also lost her husband, Tom, to a heart attack four months before. The two were nearly inseparable until Edna's death in 1998. Dot retired from A.H. Robin's in the early 90's. Shortly after she retired, Dot's strength and resolve was tested when circumstances necessitated the arrival of a portly, blonde munchkin by the name of Chris. Chris (still a portly, blonde munchkin by the way...) moved into Edna and Dot's house and daily life. They would help raise Chris, acting as surrogate mothers. Although she already raised four children of her own, Dot nurtured Chris and thought of him as a son. Chris describes Nanny as the person most responsible for developing his self-confidence and resiliency, helping Chris obtain his M.B.A. in 2011.

Dot's third grandchild, Kelsey, was born to Robin and her husband, Scott, in 1992. The gorgeous ginger-haired Kelsey presented a challenge for Dot in the form of dancing. From the time Kelsey could walk until she graduated high school, there was always a dance recital or competition to attend. To her everlasting credit, Nanny dutifully attended nearly every one of them, watching Kelsey become an exceptional dancer. A fourth grandchild, Mallory, was born in 1996. Mallory, with a beautiful smile and soft-spoken demeanor (much like her mother, Robin) developed a love of all things equestrian. Well into her 70's, Nanny would make time for Mallory's horse lessons and shows, and shared and helped to encourage Mallory's love for animals.

Nanny suffered two more losses in the early 2000's with the death of her son-in-law, Scott, and son, Gary, in 2002 and 2004, respectively. Scott was a fun loving, dedicated father. Scott, while not a strict disciplinarian, would confidently provide a “voice of reason” to Robin when necessary. Yet again, Nanny was able to recognize a need and would often provide her own “voice of reason,” erring on the side of grandmotherly spoiling.

Dot's first great-grandchild, Peyton, was born in 1999. Peyton, a beautiful look-alike of her mother, Carrie, currently displays her prowess as both an honor student and outstanding soccer player and coach. The next two great-grandchildren came in a pair, when Carrie gave birth to twins, Hadley and Grant, in 2006. Dainty and pretty, Hadley is also an excellent soccer player, and loves gymnastics too. Grant is tall and handsome, and is an excellent baseball player (it's in his blood). The baby of Carrie's family and the fourth great-grandchild, Tanner, was born in 2011. Tanner, at just four, is already following in her big sisters' footsteps and showing great promise with soccer.

Dot's fifth grand-child, Garrett, was born to Chris and his wife, Melanie, in June 2015. Only three months old at the time of her death, Garrett was blessed to have spent even a precious three months with her. Garrett had already developed a mischievous grin (“ that crooked grin” as Dot called it), and was able to flash it countless times while in “nanny's” presence.

After Dot's retirement, she “went into politics”, as she put it. Developing a more active interest in conservative politics, she would often display her wit, wisdom and ideas with those who were lucky enough to speak with her on political matters. Though she was forced to leave school at the age of 14, her intelligence and insight shone through when she discussed politics. She was a good judge of character, and could quickly distinguish truth from lies, and could see through jargon with ease. From her perspective, there was no news source more reputable than Fox News. When not watching the news, she enjoyed her favorite songs from the greats, including George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Alan Jackson.

She dearly loved her grand-dogs and grand-cats, time with family, trips to Myrtle Beach, a good “Bahbeque” and an occasional Singapore Sling. We are so thankful that she was able to enjoy all of those in her last weeks.

Her family, extended family and friends will miss her quick wit, sharp political insight, many “old sayin's” and most of all, her loving presence. The theme of her life was giving. She most often defined herself by what she gave to others. Her spirit lives on in the lives she helped mold, and the accomplishments she made possible. We love you, and will remember you always, Dot/Mama/Granny/Nanny.Remains rest at Woody Funeral Home Parham, where the family will receive friends Thursday, October 15, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. Internment will follow in Westhampton Memorial Park.