Rita Faye Cole

Rita Cole died peacefully at home on December 25, 2024, in Peachtree City, Georgia, after a short battle with cancer. Family had gathered for Christmas, and were blessed to be with her in her last days to celebrate both the birth of our Savior and Rita’s joyous entrance to His presence on that most fitting day.

Rita was born on November 30, 1945, to Frank and Katherine Davis in Quitman, Mississippi, the third of four children. She always had fond memories and many stories to tell of growing up on ”those red dirt hills of Mississippi,” surrounded by generations of a large, loving extended family. She remained very close to all those dear family members throughout her life, visiting her hometown often and welcoming many of them to her home in Georgia through the years. She was especially delighted when her sister, brother, brother-in-law and cousins later chose to move to Peachtree City with their families. She would again enjoy the drop-in visits of loved ones, the kind that had been a hallmark of her childhood years.

In 1963, Rita was ready to venture out from that little community, so she skipped her high school graduation and headed to Ft. Walton Beach, FL to start her next chapter. It was there that a handsome young Navy pilot crashed a party she was hosting with her roommates, and her life changed forever. She and Arthur Leroy “Lee” Cole were married on March 24,1965 in Corpus Christi, TX, and Rita became a Navy wife for the duration of Lee's service during the Vietnam War. They moved to San Diego, CA, and in 1966 they welcomed their son Todd. In 1969, Lee left the Navy to join Delta Air Lines and the family settled in College Park, GA, where their daughter Laura was born. Lee and Rita eventually made their way to Peachtree City in 1973, and it was there they watched both their children and grandchildren grow up. They logged countless hours in recital halls, on ball fields and Disney cruise ships, and their grandchildren were privileged (and spoiled) to have them as next door neighbors all the days of their childhoods.

Anyone who knew Rita was aware of her many talents. She was a skilled seamstress, extraordinary cook and gracious hostess; she designed beautiful homes and gardens, both for herself and others; she was a gifted event planner, whether a wedding, a reception or a holiday feast for family and friends. A favorite was the little treasure hunt she devised every Christmas for her grandchildren. All these wonderful activities were not just an outlet for an immensely creative person, however; they were, more importantly, a continual expression of the boundless love she had for everyone she knew.

It is this trait that most reflects who Rita was in this life-a devoted follower of her Lord Jesus Christ. She spent hours in a cozy chair overlooking her garden, her worn-out Bible and a journal in her lap, a concordance within reach, and her treasured Oswald Chambers devotional on top. God’s light and love shone in her; she was truly a vessel meet for the Master’s use and prepared for every good work. She was faithful, kind, loving, joyous, forgiving, gentle and generous. She counseled those in distress, mentored those younger in the faith, loved those who felt unloved. She had a tender heart especially for sheep that had gone astray, gently guiding them back to the 99 that hadn’t been lost. Although she will be greatly missed, she leaves behind an inspiring legacy. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her loving ways and the encouragement she offered, which most often ended with a hug, a smile and the words, “We’re just going to trust the Lord with it.”

Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Lee Cole; her sister, Frankie Rowell; and her parents, Katherine and Frank Davis. She is survived by her children Todd Cole and Laura Gillanders (Scott); grandchildren Jonathan, Katherine, Caroline, Sally and Evan; sister Ina Sule (Michael), brother Delane Davis; sister-in-law Vija Cole; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; dear neighbors and treasured friends.

No services are scheduled at this time.