Margaret Ethel Payne Cole
April 12, 1938 ~ May 22, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Resided in:
Henderson County, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailMargaret Ethel (Payne) Cole, 87, of Arden, died Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Brookdale in Hendersonville.
Born in Buncombe County, she was the wife of the late Joe Cole, who died in 2014. She was the daughter of the late Harold Jones and Mary (Barnett) Payne. Margaret was also preceded in death by a brother, Butch Payne; a sister and her husband, Jean and Paul Peek; and a brother-in-law, Skip Gaines.
Margaret was a member of Biltmore Methodist Church. She had a long, rewarding career working for the Henderson County Department of Social Services, later helping deliver Meals on Wheels. She loved trips to the beach, buying new shoes, taking her grandkids out for lunch, and never skipped dessert.
Margaret is survived by a son, Barry Cole; a daughter, Cameron Stepp and her husband, Darrin; two grandchildren: Slayde Stepp and Paisley Stepp; a sister, Carolyn Gaines; a sister-in-law, Helen Payne; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian and will be streamed live via the link just below the obituary text. Burial will follow at Calvary Episcopal Church Cemetery. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Services
Memorial Service: May 31, 2025 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
The Family Will Greet Friends: May 31, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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so sorry for your loss, Carolyn and family
Didn’t know this beautiful lady personally, but I knew here through her sister Carolyn, a special friend of mine. Please be with her.
Carolyn,
Thinking of you during this time of sorrow. Yet, I know it is also a time to celebrate her life of joy and the joy she is now experiencing in Heaven! Blessings and prayers for you and your family.
Kathy
I am so sorry for your loss. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs.
Carolina. Prayers for you all
I’m sure “Sister” is now no longer in pain or confused. My love to you and your family. Prayers and love to all.
This sweet lady was truly a light to see in our community every day. She was always smiling and fully accessorized most of the time.
I loved her, love you too!
Sherri
Love,
Phil and Waynette Sorrells
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweet lady. Aunt Jessie thought the world of her. Prayers for peace and comfort
Christy Rigsby
Carolyn, I’m sorry to hear this, sending prayers for u and your family 🙏
Hi Cameron & Barry, please know my Mom, Sharon, and I are praying for you at this time! Margaret was a wonderful friend & co worker to Sharon. Her joy was contagious and she will be greatly missed! We cherish our memories with Margaret & you both!
Beth Hensley Lindgren