Mary Matthews Cole

Mary Matthews Cole began her story on October 8, 1968 in Lancaster, SC, the daughter of Edward and Mary Allice (Thomas) Matthews. She grew up with a brother and sister, James and Jeannie. Mary earned her diploma through Stratford University in Kentucky. She spent many years as a custodian for Hulbert Public School and took pride in caring for the Hulbert community. She was not afraid of hard work and loved working around children. On December 31, 2001, she married her best friend, Brandon Wayne Cole Sr. in Ridgeland, SC. In their nearly 22 years together, they were blessed with three children, Anthony, Brandon Jr. and one daughter, Paige. Though Mary found pleasure in getting a rise out of Brandon or “liked to be a pain in the rear” as he endearingly says, they shared so many wonderful memories, seizing life and living every day to the fullest. Always seeking an adventure, she loved to get out side-by-siding with the family and kicking up mud or go out rock crawling. To Mary, there wasn’t much better than being outdoors fishing and taking in nature’s beauty. She had quite the collection of rocks and many different sugar skulls on display. When she was home, she enjoyed cross stitching or cuddle up with her fur babies, Izzy and Boss. Mary was the most lovable of anyone you would meet and possessed the biggest heart for those around her. She had a way of lighting up a room with her big ole smile. No matter what was happening around her, she found a way to find the good and was the life of every party; just a hoot to be around. On Saturday, August 3, 2024, Mary’s story ended far too soon, passing from this life at the age of 55 years old. Her quick wit and true joy that she brought to others will be remembered forever.

She is preceded in death by her father, Edward Matthews.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Brandon Cole Sr. of the home, her mother Mary Alice Matthews of Bluffton, SC, two sons, Anthony Dwayne Dyer of Bluffton, SC and Brandon Wayne Cole Jr. and wife Britany Juarez of Fort Gibson, OK, one daughter, Jacqueline Paige Dyer and husband Travis Hudson of Hardeeville, SC. She also leaves one brother, James Matthews and one sister, Jeannie Matthews, both of Bluffton, SC. Her legacy lives one through her three adored grandchildren, Anthony “AJ” Dwayne Dyer Jr., Austin Wyatt Hudson and Gracen Avery Hudson as well as many cherished friends and loved ones.

Her family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Mary on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00pm at Norwood Baptist Church 20980 Highway 80 of Hulbert, OK 74441. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Anthony Dyer, Austin Hudson, Bradley Norton, Darren Dority, James Jones and Isaac McColpin.