Gladys Cole

Gladys Cole, 82, of Jonesborough, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Wade and Johnsie (Greene) Edmisten. She was also preceded in death by her husband Robert "Bob" Cole and brother and sister-in-law Mack and Linda Edmisten.

Gladys was a member of Lone Oak Christian Church for over seventy years and an active member of the Ladies Circle.

She retired as a dental assistant having served the people of this region for nearly 50 years.

Gladys along with her sister, Barbara Manning, researched and preserved the history of their own families through tombstone cleanings and writing of family stories. Gladys was a member of the Jonesborough Genealogical Society since 2020 and has served as a Director on the Board. She was inducted into the JGS Hall of Fame in 2023 for her work in local history and her own genealogy as well as work for the society, which includes the JGS's award-winning decorations for the Town of Jonesborough's Celebration of Christmas Trees for several years. Her love of local history and the stories of those before her inspired many of the handcrafted ornaments that represented many treasured families and locations throughout Washington County and encouraged others to share her passion for history with invitations to Sunday drives and picnics on location.

She had a green thumb that was so very giving! Her flower beds were immaculate works of art, and she was happy to share her overabundance of plants, to help make your flower beds beautiful.

Growing up at church, you could count on Gladys to hand you a little Ziplock baggie, over the back of the pew, full of stickers and an index card to put them on. She was the voice of Santa for many years! You could count on her to have a piece of hard candy or a mint, but never chewing gum. . .“It’s bad for your teeth and jaws.”

If you ever met Gladys, you met a one-of-a-kind gal, who really was larger than life! Vibrant. Loyal. Caring. Graciously opinionated. Thoughtful. Kind. Loving. Generous. She had a chuckle that would capture a room, and a smile that sparkled!

Family and friends will remember her smile and encouragement, with a story -- and an Iris -- to share; gardens throughout the region will continue to bloom as a testament to her generosity and patience for years to come.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Cole (Stephanie), Jonathan Cole; grandchildren, Wade Cole, Luke Cole (Emily); great-grandchildren Kinley and Olivia Cole; sister, Barbara Manning; brothers, John Edmisten (Barbara), Larry Edmisten (Debbie), Bob Edmisten (Brenda), Ralph Edmisten (Mary); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Cole family will receive friends on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Lone Oak Christian Church, 1914 Lone Oak Road, Johnson City, TN 37604, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Dykes, Minister Mike Luzadder, Elder Tom Morrison officiating. Graveside Service will be Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Mountain Home National Cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers are members of The Searcher’s Class.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gladys can be made to Lone Oak Christian Church.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the Cole family by visiting www.jonesboroughfuneralhome.com.
1776 Hwy 11 E Jonesborough, TN 37659 - (423) 722-8888