Miriam "Mimi" West Cole

Miriam (Mimi) West Cole, 85, died on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Keever Center Hospice in Asheville.
Mimi was born July 3, 1936, in Clyde, NC to the late Walter and Katherine Haynes West. Her father died when she was age four and her mother Katherine married Coke Candler, who was Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission from 1948 – 1968.
Mimi is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Marvin M. Cole; son, Thomas G. Cole of Candler, daughter Marcia (Lisa) Cole Slocum (Greg Slocum, husband) of Candler, and son Michael P. Cole of Cartersville, GA; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several wonderful nieces and nephews.
Mimi graduated from Candler High School in 1954 and from Western Carolina University in 1958. She spent her career as an elementary and kindergarten teacher with successful experience at The Experimental School at Indiana University, the American International School in Lahore, Pakistan, and elementary schools in Atlanta, GA.
Although her career was in education, Mimi had an ardent interest in music. While in the eighth grade, she was asked by the musically minded principal to sing with the high school chorus and frequently asked to sing as soloist at churches, weddings and funerals. At Western Carolina University she was soloist for several operettas and with the University Chorus. In Atlanta, GA. she sang with the Atlanta Choral Guild and performed with that group at Carnegie Hall. At every place she lived, Mimi sang with the church choir including performances in Italy with the Embry Hills United Methodist Church Choir, Atlanta. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Asheville.
Mimi loved to cook and be with her children. She frequently watched cooking shows on television and frequently researched cook books for new delicacies.
For their love, concern and friendship, the family is appreciative of Dr. James Hoer, Mission Hospital personnel, Keever Hospice, the Journey Group, Serendipity Class and Ministers at Central United Methodist Church and many friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church or to one’s chosen charity.