Emily and I became friends when she worked for Educate Texas as a leadership coach assigned to support New Deal High School’s STEM program.  I was a relatively new high school principal and  through her mentorship over five years we became friends.  She helped mentor me as a leader and advocate for students and teachers.  We kept in touch over the years and I moved to different jobs and leadership roles and she continued to invest in me through mentorship.  Her example of humble leadership and advocating for others is what inspires me.  I will miss Emily deeply.  She made me a better advocate for others through her example.

Emily Cole ...an amazing woman. I was fortunate to get to know her 
because  I had heard about the 80-game losing streak in football. Northside HS. (Jeff Davis in my day...1953 grad). I had heard that a group of men attempted to make a movie about "breaking the football  losing streak but it never materialized,  I had a position in central office HISD and can't remember now why I made a visit to Davis; The football loss streak tory kept resonating, and, since I had some experience with documentary films, I thought...aha...do it.  And I did. The documentary is now stored  in the school's alumni room. 

It tells the story of breaking the streak not only in football but in academics and morale...with Emily Cole leading the way.  She wanted to work on academics and morale (and she did that) but as she also realized..."we've got to win a football game".   Her leadership was vital in turning around the downward spiral at Davis.

Mrs.Cole was one of the best principal I ever met . She got me through a lot of hard times and without her diligence and support I wouldn't be where I am today. I could never thank you enough for everything. May you rest in peace and condolences to their family.

What a great individual.  Totally dedicated to serving others.  The impact that she made cannot be measured.  We started the Leadership 2000 mentorship program at Jeff Davis in 1990.  She was very instrumental in allowing 25 professionals come to campus and mentor her students.  The program was very successful program and another example how she embraced the whole community to get involved in education.  I truly admired and had a tremendous amount of respect for her.  Her legacy will live forever.  

Roland Rodriguez, CPA
Founder of Leadership 200 Mentorship Program

My condolences  to  the.cole .family.  .ms Emily  Cole is im heaven    i  used  to be a former  student  st Jefferson  Davis  High school   ms Emily  Cole  was a very generous  principal    help  a  lot of students  like me  get  to school.  Because   some  of t thd students  were homeless    ms Emily Cole  let some  of the students  who were  homeless   im the school  gym     and provided  food  and blankets    .

In Loving Memory of Emily Cole
Our Beloved "Alley Mom"

Emily was more than just a neighbor — she was the steady, caring presence that held our alley community together. With quiet dedication and grace, she took it upon herself to look after our shared space, year after year. Whether it was organizing the annual pothole repairs or gently reminding us to keep our sides mowed and trimmed, Emily did it all without fanfare and often without thanks. She simply cared — and acted.

Her commitment and kindness touched us all. She made our alley feel like a community, not just a row of back fences and garages. Emily was, truly, the heart of our little alley.

She will be deeply missed. May her memory continue to inspire us to care for one another, just as she always did.

With love and gratitude,
Ann & Aaron Dick

My condolences to  Mr. Cole and the Cole Family  during the transition of  Mrs. Cole. I was very blessed to be hired by Mrs. Cole  as one of her  Assistant Principals  at Jefferson Davis High in 1995  . Mrs. Cole was a highly effective leader, communicator, mentor, boss and a mother figure. She prepared all of her Administration Staff for their future goals  . When many of us became principals, we were well prepared for our assignments due to Mrs. Cole ‘s leadership , mentoring , guidance and excellence . One would have thought Mrs. Cole would have said goodbye once we became principals . But that was not the case; she remained in my life for 21 years during my tenure  as Principal at Burrus Elementary Fine Arts  . She visited the school  for over 21 years until  I retired.   After my retirement from HISD we met every year for lunch before HISD opened for the new school year just to chat about education  .  Today ,  all of us have lost a boss, mentor, communicator, and a dear friend. I personally want to thank Burt Cole for his leadership in opening up his parent’s  home at his mother’s  and father’s request in order for her to see her works  while she was living. Mrs. Cole , works have spoken for her; she was able to see the fruits of her labor first hand during the last few weeks of her life. Rest in peace until we meet again .

OBITUARY

Emilia Riojas Cole

November 9, 1941 – August 3, 2025

Heights Funeral Home

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