Sharon Sue Cole

Sharon Sue Cole was called home to Heaven on September 15, 2026, at the age of 79.

Sharon was born June 6, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Arthur and Odell Cummings. She was raised and educated in Lonoke, Arkansas. It was while looking through the bookstore window at Arkansas State University-Beebe, that Sharon met the love of her life, Rodger Cole. Sharon and Rodger were married on February 24, 1967, and shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Sharon lived her life as a faithful ambassador for Christ. As a devoted pastor’s wife, she faithfully stood beside her husband throughout his ministry, serving her church and community with grace, compassion, and love.

Her love for the Lord also led her to serve through the Texas Woman’s Missionary Auxiliary (WMA). She served in various local and state leadership roles and was honored to serve as Texas WMA State President from 1997–1999. For 18 years, she served as editor of the Texas WMA page, using her gifts of writing and encouragement to minister to others and further the work of Christ.

Sharon had a creative and gentle spirit. She loved flowers, sewing, and crafts, finding joy in creating beautiful things with her hands and sharing them with others. Yet her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and loving, hands-on grandmother who treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She didn’t simply watch them play; she got down on the floor and played right alongside them. Whether playing, laughing, listening, creating, or simply being together, Sharon wanted each of them to know they were deeply loved. She poured her faith, wisdom, love, and laughter into the generations that followed her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Odell Cummings; her brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Joy Cummings; and her dear friend, Annell Witherspoon, who was loved like a sister.

She leaves behind her husband, Rodger Cole of Judsonia, AR; her children, Bryan Cole and wife Lori of Conway, AR; John Cole of Judsonia, AR, and his fiancée, Jellie Ann Pepito; Christy Whatley and husband Jason of Carthage, TX; and Sarah Jones and husband Brandon of Whitehouse, TX.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Patrick and Monica Cole, Landon and Brianna Cole, Joseph Cole, David Cole, Karissa Bryant, Hannah Whatley, Jacob Whatley, Katelynn Jones, Kennedy Jones, Addison Jones, and Drake Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Cole and Cortland Cole.

Numerous nieces, cousins, other relatives, and many friends, including her dear friends Cindy Dyer and Hollis Vernetti.

Those who knew Sharon will remember a woman who loved Jesus, her family, and people. She faithfully lived her life verse, 2 Corinthians 5:20, seeking to be an ambassador for Christ wherever God placed her.

Her greatest legacy is found not in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives, she touched, the faith she shared, the songs she wrote, and the love and memories she leaves with her family and friends. While they grieve her earthly loss, they rejoice in the blessed assurance that Sharon is now in the presence of the Savior she loved and served so faithfully. 

She will be deeply missed, but her faith and love will remain in the hearts of those she touched for generations to come.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17th at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home, with Bro. Aaron Howard officiating. 

Pallbearers include Bryan Cole, John Cole, Brandon Jones, Jacob Whatley, Jason Whatley, and Scott Dyer.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Elite Hospice for the loving care and compassion shown to Sharon and her family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church’s Building Fund, 460 Shiloh Road, McRae, AR 72102.