Opal Charlene Cole

Opal Charlene Hill Cole, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014. Funeral services celebrating the life of Charlene will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Haughton, LA. Chaplain Billy Pierce will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 preceding the service.

Charlene was born November 18, 1926 in Coffeyville, Kansas. She met the love of her life, Marion, at the young age of 16 at the local roller rink in Peoria, Illinois. They married when "Charky," as Marion so affectionately called her, turned 17. Charlene was a devoted wife and traveled with Marion from airport to airport, city to city, airshow to airshow for many years, even with babies in tow. Later in life they traveled the country in their RV, and enjoyed their time and adventures with friends, new and old. They were married 66 years. In addition to her time spent with Marion, Charlene loved to swim, garden, fish, watch birds, play card games, and do occasional sewing and crocheting.

Charlene was blessed with four sons whom she loved with all her heart, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her arms were always open, ready to give and receive hugs from her family, especially her grandchildren. They all made her smile and laugh, and filled her heart with overwhelming warmth and joy! Even near the end, the grandchildren were able to get a smile out of Charlene when no one else could.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Marion and her son, Bill. She is survived by her sons Larry and wife Terri, Howard and wife Donna, Don and wife Sharilyn, daughter in law Norma, grandsons Kevin and wife Tiffany, Aaron and wife Maegan, Ray, and Justin, great grandchildren Kennedie, Collin, Kamden, Maci, and Payton.

The Cole family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to the staff at the North Pavillion at the Oaks of Louisiana. Their constant care, attentiveness, and love for Charlene the past two years is greatly appreciated.