Patricia Roney Cole

Patricia E. Roney Cole entered into rest on November 18, 2025. Born on March 25, 1939, in Aberdeen, MS, she arrived prematurely and was placed into a container on a wood-burning stove to serve as a makeshift incubator. Her slight case of jaundice earned her the nickname “Penny,” which she carried throughout her entire life.

She was raised by her Aunt Durline Shepard until the age of 15, when circumstances led her to live at The Episcopal Church Home. It was there, she said, that she “learned how to have a gracious and wonderful life” and “how to be a lady.” At the age of 18, she left the Church Home and met a young man fresh out of the Army, Robert L. Cole Sr. The two were married on October 19, 1957, at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN.

Penny was the mother of four sons. A graduate of Memphis State, she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. She proudly served as an elementary school teacher for 25 years with Memphis City Schools.

Penny was an avid enthusiast of painting ceramics, watercolors, gardening, traveling, cooking, and, of course, shopping at her favorite store, Talbots. She also adored doting upon her teacup Yorkshire terrier, “Button.” Through her unwavering faith and trust in God, she overcame life’s obstacles and was instrumental in the lives of her 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cole Sr., and her son, Michael Cole. She is survived by three sons: Robert L. Cole Jr. (Patricia), William Cole (Carmen), and Jon-Jeffery Cole (Joanie); 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Fire Museum of Memphis or the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).

Family will receive friends on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St., Olive Branch, MS 38654. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at Brantley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Lewisburg, MS.