Charlene Mae Cole

Charlene was born on March 29, 1941 and adopted by John and Bernice Anderson. In her high school years, Charlene’s artistic talents were recognized with many awards for her beautiful paintings. She was married to Russell Van Cole, Sr. from 1957 to 1989 with whom she had 5 children. Charlene devoted her life to God and brought joy and the love of Jesus to many, many children with her creative Sunday school teachings. Charlene earned a college degree at age 50 and worked part time at Log Cabin Animal Hospital, and Oaklawn Hospital in the medical records department until Oaklawn’s Marshall Internal & Family Medicine division hired her full time where she worked for 30 years until her death and was a well-respected and loved part of the team there. Charlene enjoyed the beauty of nature through creating garden spaces, growing flowers, and watching birds. She shared a home with her daughter Charity, and in 2007 the two opened their hearts to foster children, becoming a safe haven and loving place for those in need. Her three grandchildren Zachary, Zarianna, and Zohanna will dearly miss her in their daily lives.

Charlene was selfless. Her presence was always felt in a quiet, caring way. She faced all hardships with unwavering strength and faith in Jesus. She was grateful and gracious and precious and truly modeled unconditional love. The deep impact of her open heart and loving spirit will forever be with all whose lives she touched. To quote a dear friend of the family, “Charlene Cole was one of the greatest people who ever lived.”

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, former spouse, and grandson Joshua Floyd. She is survived by her children Cheryl (Stephen) Floyd, Russ (Carolee) Cole, Susan (Bill) Dow, Charity Cole, and John Cole, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she accepted as family.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. The funeral service will be Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM. Both will be held at the Fredonia Holiness Church at 10600 13½ Mile Road in Marshall, MI. A dinner will follow the funeral service at the B.E. Henry Building at 615 S. Marshall Ave in Marshall, MI.

The family is being served by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, Albion.

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com