Mary Urban Neas Cole

Mary’s life was led by her faith in God. Her warmth and compassion to others was a true testament of God’s love. In 1954, she and her family became charter members of Messiah Lutheran Church. Mary was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she worshipped for many years. In 2011, with her husband, John, they started SAM (Senior Adult Ministry).

Mary’s service to others began early. In her youth and early adulthood, Mary had a variety of jobs, ranging from being a candy striper at Children’s Hospital, Girl Scout Counselor and a childcare worker for Barium Springs Home for Children in North Carolina. She received her BS in Sociology from Tusculum College; over her career span, she worked with YWCA, HeadStart, Cole’s Catering Service, The Alzheimer’s Association, Westbrook Senior Center, Atria Assisted Living, Messiah Lutheran Church as The Director of Christian Education and had her own craft business.

Mary was a gifted singer and piano player, having a stint at The Orangery as a torch singer. She loved to write, tell stories, host luncheons, family dinners and have craft days with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a talented baker and cook, famous for her coconut cake, lemon pie and meatloaf. Mary gave so much of herself and comforted those in need. She was a pillar in her community and known by many for her consoling phone calls and check-ins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Neas, brother, Sam Neas, and husband, John Cole II. She leaves behind her children, John Cole III (Christy), David Cole. Grandchildren, Jordan Mason (Joseph), Jessica Cole, John Cole IV, and Patrick Cole. Great-Grandchildren, Nora Mason, Carter Mason and Ivy Mason and many special friends and family.

Family and Friends will gather for a Celebration of Life, on July 18th, 10:30am, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Sanctuary, with a Receiving of Friends and Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. In Lieu Of Flowers, donations may be made, in her memory, to the SAM program at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Knoxville.