Maedell Ann Cole

Mrs. Maedell Ann (Mabry) Cole, age 90, of Galesburg, Illinois, died on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at the OSF Saint Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Ann was born February 12, 1929 in San Antonio, Texas to Emmitt Mabry and Elizabeth Smith. She spent her childhood with her siblings being raised in an orphanage. On November 2, 1945, Ann was married to her beloved husband of sixty-seven years, Wallace Reid Cole, in Texarkana, Texas. She was employed as a waitress at Galesburg’s Hotel Custer and Holiday Inn during the 50s and 60s and was known for her winning personality and great customer service. She was a sweet, gentle, and giving person to all that met and knew her. Ann loved to knit, garden, shop for presents for her family, welcome people to her home, and attend sporting and social events with her children and grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed Christmas, although she loved spending quality time with her family on any occasion. Surviving are her twin sister, Edell Richards of Galesburg; her daughter, Gaye Conlon of Knoxville, Illinois; her son, Gaylord “Bud” (and Connie Thurman) Cole of Galesburg; five grandchildren: Tawna (and James) Connour, Erin Nelson, Jennifer (and Jayson) Schwallie, Kelsey (and Corey) Platt, Leigh (and Jason Clay) Lucas-Clay; seven great-grandchildren: Nicole (and Jeremy) Sewell, Dustin Nelson, Coty (and Tracey) Connour, Justin Schwallie, Cadence Clay, Charlotte Clay, Hudson Platt; and three great-great grandchildren: Nevaeh Mayberry, Caylee Connour, and Layla Swell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace; and six siblings: Pat Courtwright, Chester Strickland, Marcie Clark, Geri Swenheart, Doris Bernier, and Betty Sue Shely. Cremation rites will be accorded. A private celebration of Ann’s life will be held at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory in Knoxville is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maedell Ann Cole please visit our Sympathy Store.