Betty was born on March 30, 1933 in Pineville to Troy and Laurree Burns. She lived most of her childhood in Baton Rouge, where she graduated from Istrouma High School.
Betty married Melvin Cole in 1953, and they raised their 3 children in Beaumont, Texas. She was a loving and devoted mother and wife, participating in her children's numerous activities and supporting her husband's career and educational endeavors. When her youngest child graduated from high school, Betty enrolled at Lamar University. First with a bachelor's degree and later with a master's degree in education, Betty taught history and government at Lumberton High School. She retired from teaching in 1989.
Betty loved working with flowers, especially daylilies, and transformed her yard into a beautiful flower garden. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, oil painting, lake fishing, working crossword puzzles, quilting with friends, and playing cards with relatives. Betty was dedicated to her family. She created and edited a monthly newsletter which connected relatives across several states, and she selflessly gave her time and talents to care for her loved ones. She was a faithful Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church in Lake Charles.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mary Pacas; and son-in-law Don Harman. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband of 57 years, Melvin; daughters Anita Harman of Beaumont and Rhonda Shannon and husband Ted of Houston; son Melvin Cole, Jr., and wife Liz of Lufkin; sister Patricia Hogg of Monroe; sister-in-law Arlene Cole of DeRidder; grandsons Stuart Harman, Troy Cole, Matt Cole and Sam Cole; 3 nieces, 3 nephews, and 4 great-nephews.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 18 at Hixson Funeral Home, 3001 Ryan St., in Lake Charles. Rev. Lindsey Burns will officiate. Private burial will be at Houston National Cemetery.
The family greatly appreciates Betty's doctors and nurses at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Odyssey Hospice for their compassionate care, and Betty's many friends who lovingly supported her during her six-month brave struggle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Gideons International (www.gideons.org) or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (www.mdanderson.org). Online messages may be posted at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
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