Nancy Louise Smith Cole

nancy cole

January 9, 1938 ~ February 3, 2019


Resided in: Leicester, North Carolina

Nancy Louise Smith Cole, 81, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019. A Buncombe Co. native, Nancy was a daughter of the late Frank Groce and Wilcy Mae Mathes Smith. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Muriel Brown. Mrs. Cole worked for many years at Leicester Elementary School as their secretary. She also served as the State Chaplain for the NC Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary and was a long-time member and organist at Cedar Hill Freewill Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, James Cromwell Cole; daughters, Cynthia Cole Todd (Nathan), Mavis Cole Braswell, and Beth Cole Smith; son, Rex Cole (Jackie); grandchildren, Logan, Brody, Rachel, Nolan, Luke, Sean, and Jacob; 5 great-grandchildren, with triplets on the way; and sister, Frankie Davis (Clyde). The funeral service for Mrs. Cole will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. The Revs. Roger Boone and Bud Fish will officiate. Interment will follow at Grace United Methodist Church Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

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  1. Ms. Cole was a wonderful lady. She touched so many of our lives. May God grant comfort and love to her family and friends.

  2. CYNTHIA, MAVIS ,BETH AND REX first I want to tell you guys that I love you very much, you mean so much to me. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet moma Nancy she was one of the sweetest persons that I was lucky enough to know and have as part of my life and family. I will never forget all the fun we had growing up together and hanging out at grannies and papaws on Sundays when we were little. Your moma was always very kind to me and her and uncle Crom always came and looked me up when they came down this way, that will always mean so much to me. I know Nancy is up in Heaven with all the loved ones that have already passed and they are all excited to have her home. That is one thing I look so forward to one day, I got more family there than here now, and I miss them so much, but I know that the day will come when we will see them again, thank You Jesus!!!! I send you my love my sweet cousins, and I always will and I am here if you ever want to talk, I am just a call away…prayers, love, and great big hugs and kisses. Love Marcia, Daniel, Daniel and Lindsey!!!!

  3. I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Cole at Leicester Elementary School during the school years of 1971-76. She was a kind, caring, and supportive lady. She and Mr. Cole were great parents who supported my efforts in teaching and coaching their children. I know she will be deeply missed by her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  4. I am so very sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing. I have many memories of her at Cedar Hill FWB Church, playing organ, singing with James and Mavis. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of the family during this time.

  5. We are so heartbroken to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was a precious soul and will be missed by so many. Praying God will comfort and give the family peace during this difficult time.

  6. What a fantastic lady she was always smiling always helpful she will be missed she was the secretary for all my six years at Leicester I was there from 68-76 god bless and keep the family as you deal with this loss

  7. I fondly remember Mrs. Cole while I was a student at Leicester Elementary School, and from a few other occasions. The last was a few years ago at my aunts’, Thelma’s and Lib’s, birthday party. It was great to hear her talk about the history of the families in the area. She was always so kind and caring. May God provide comfort, love, and peace to her family.

  8. Such a sweet lady. She will definitely be missed at the monthly singing at the Newfound Community Center. My prayers are with the family.

  9. Praying for the family of Mrs. Cole. I pray for the strength that the family will need in the following days. My thoughts are with Mrs.Cole’s loving family.

  10. We have such fond memories of Mrs. Cole. She was the gentlest, kindest, sweetest and most precious woman I’ve ever known, and always looked forward to seeing her when Jenna was in elementary school. Prayers to your loving family.

  11. Crom & Family, so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. One of the sweetest people you could ever meet and I have known her since I was 7 years old. Always the same and gave such support to her husband & Family. You have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

  12. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy was a very sweet person who I come to know the family thru Frankie who has been a friend for years. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  13. Beth and Family we would like to say how sorry for your loss
    Your mom was a very sweet and kind woman I know she will be missed
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  14. Dear friends,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Cole was a wonderful person and was always so friendly when I saw her. She helped me so much when I started teaching at Leicester. My prayers are with you and your family.
    Love,
    Anita White

  15. Dear Crom,
    Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Nancy was always so kind and sweet every time we would see you and her together. Cherish your memories.

  16. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Cole. She was a very special lady who always had a smile on her face. She was always willing to help this beginning teacher and let me know how to do things. I am sure I learned more from her than I did my professors. I always enjoyed my conversations with her. I also loved it when she would come back for Heritage Day and show the students how to make apple cider. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  17. Crom, family and friends, we’re so saddened to hear about the loss of Nancy. She is one of the sweetest, kindness and caring people to leave this earth. May God be with you during this time, and bless you richly in the coming years that you have left here before you are reunited again.

  18. Dear James, Cynthia, Beth, Mavis and Rex, I’m so sorry to hear Nancy has left our presence. I hope you can hang onto the fact that she is in heaven awaiting our arrival. How wonderful to be at Jesus’ feet! May He hold you close in the coming days and you can rest in all the wonderful memories you have. You are such a special family! May God bless you ‘real good!’

  19. To Nancy Cole’s Family. So sorry for your loss. Nancy was a very pleasant person to be around. She was secretary at Leicester School the entire eighteen years I was teaching there. She was a friend to all and we will miss her very much. May God be with you and comfort you in this time of grief. Love and prayers, Rose Green

  20. Rex and family we are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother pray God will comfort each one in the days a head .Glenn and Pat Banks

  21. I’m sure my parents, Rev Hollifield, are enjoying time with Nancy. Daddy loved the Coles for many years. ‘heaven’s Sounding Sweeter all the Time. ‘ Prayers with love for the family.

  22. Prayers for the family during this sad time. I enjoyed conversing with Nancy during our times together while employed by the Buncombe County School System. She was a wonderful person.

  23. It is never easy to lose a loved one. My thoughts and sympathy are with you, Crom, and your family. I know this is a difficult time.
    Ann (Hyatt) Howell

  24. Mavis. I am so very sorry. Your mama was a very sweet lady. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Love and hugs

  25. James, Gail and I were both sick, Gail in the Hospital, and me with the Flu, so we were not able for visitation and funeral for Nancy but you and the family were in our prayers.

  26. Crom, Cynthia, Cole, Mavis, Beth & Rex:

    I was so sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. Aunt Ronda Hall told me. Nancy was just a gentle and loving wife, Mom, Grandmother and Sister. She was an important part of Newfound Community and Leicester Community for years. My prayers and love go out to each of you. May God Bless


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