Emma "Boots" Cole

Parents, Zettie and William Tillett, provided Boots a loving home in Charlotte, NC. Within five years Boots welcomed two sisters, Barbara Jean and Margie, into the family where they enjoyed a close, loving, life-long friendship.

As a young woman Boots met the love of her life. Gene Cole, who was friends with Boots’ uncle Willis, saw her sitting on the back of her father’s truck with her sister Barbara Jean. About Boots, he commented to Willis, “That’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen!” When Willis asked, “Do you want to date her?” he said, “Has a cat got fur?!” Seventy years of marriage later he treasured her even more.

Boots was totally dedicated to Gene and their two children, born over the next several years. When Gene answered the call to full time ministry she worked several jobs to help pay for college and support the family. Although she worked long hours, helped Gene study for exams, ran the household and raised two children, she was never heard to complain.

As a pastor’s wife she took on every task of church work and home life with poise and grace. Her dedication to excellence earned her the nickname “The Little General”, a title well-deserved. Boots loved her family and her church friends, whom she treated as family. She had a special place in her heart for the Interns who worked alongside Pastor Cole, slipping them some cash at every opportunity.

After 54 years of service to Devonshire Baptist Church, in November of 2018, she and Pastor Cole retired, moving to Cadence Assisted Living of Clemmons, to be near family and to receive the care they were no longer able to provide for themselves. After Gene’s death in 2020, Boots embraced life even more, forming close friendships among the residents and staff, and taking part in many of the activities offered daily. She was loved by everyone for her warm hugs and kisses.

Boots was preceded in death by parents, Zettie and William Tillett, sisters Barbara Jean Hucks and Margie Hartis, and husband Boyce E. Cole. Survivors are son Rickey Cole (Gail), granddaughter Jessica Cole, daughter Cathy Galinot (Al), all of Clemmons, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at 11am at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens in Charlotte.

If you wish to honor her life and memory, she requested a gift to Devonshire Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.