Jane Cole

Jane Austin Cole, “Mammy”, loving wife, mentoring mother and grandmother, wonderful sister, auntie, and cousin earned her heavenly reward in the early hours of Saturday, August 17, 2019. Jane was born to J. C. “Curt” and Opal Sullivan Austin on November 6, 1931, on their Austin farm where she lived and raised her family for the 87+ years of her life. A devoted Christian, she made her confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of her life and was baptized at First Christian Church of Mesquite where she still holds membership today. In her service to the church, she served in countless positions, wherever needed from children’s teacher to Christian Women’s Fellowship President. Jane graduated from Mesquite High School in 1949, “the 49’ers", as there were 49 students in that class. She served as Vice President of the graduating class as well as salutatorian. She continued her education at North Texas State Teacher’s College (now University of North Texas in Denton). Following a short teaching position in Fort Worth, she returned to her beloved hometown and taught at Old Central, and then in 1953 she was one of the teachers to open Florence Black Elementary, Mesquite’s first elementary school. Following her marriage to David Charles Cole on November 20, 1953, she took a leave of absence to begin her family. As the family grew and the children were older, Jane substituted in Mesquite schools until she was honored to be a part of the opening of The Little Red School House. When her children had outgrown this wonderful private school, Jane joined the faculty of John L. Hanby Elementary in the Mesquite Independent School District. It was during these days that she continued her education and received a Master’s Degree from East Texas State Teacher’s College (now Texas A&M Commerce). Jane continued teaching first grade at Hanby for 25 years until she opted for early retirement to care for her mother. Her love of learning never ceased as she encouraged several generations of her family and we are grateful for her love and many forms of witnessing to all that a successful Christian woman should be. Jane was one of the founding members of a local women's service organization Triskelions, many of the members of this club of homemakers also held jobs and are now retired and continue to enjoy their monthly meetings. Many of those club members are with us today, and we thank them for their love and friendship. Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Curt and Opal Austin, and husband of 46 years, David Charles Cole. Jane is survived by her children, Curtis Cole, and his dear friend David Rhodes, and Carolyn and her husband, Mark Stoddard. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris Evan and his wife Brittany, and Cassie and her husband Matt Clayton and great grandchildren Jaron and Olivia Clifton. She is further survived by her sister, Peggy and her husband, Charles Houser, of Canton as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jane’s family extended to include David Cole’s family, and she is preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Clyde, Sr. and Mildred Lander Cole, brother-in-laws, Clyde Cole, Jr. and Richard Cole, and nephew, Bryan Cole. She is survived by sister-in-laws, Helen Cole of Baton Rouge and Pat Cole of Mesquite and many nieces and nephews. Jane’s life was greatly enriched by Norma Carrizales who loved and cared for Jane and David for many years. Norma and her daughters, Ariana and Daniela Mendez, also made their home on Austin Hill. Norma was Jane’s driver, hair stylist, makeup artist, wardrobe assistant, sous-chef, constant companion, friend, and confidante. Norma and “Mama” were a great team. In 2018, her condition worsened and Jane required 24-hour care. Norma’s sisters, Veronica and Dora Carrizales, assisted in providing excellent care to “Mama”. Our family has been abundantly blessed by the love and care of each of these ladies. Visitation will be Monday, August 19, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 pm at New Hope Funeral Home, 500 E. Highway 80, Sunnyvale, with the service on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm also at New Hope. Interment will follow at Mesquite City Cemetery. Following the interment, each is invited to be our guest for a late lunch at Martinez Restaurant, 701 Gross Road, Mesquite. In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 827 S. Galloway, Mesquite, TX 75149.