Charlotte Cole

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Charlotte Cole of Mt. Vernon, MO, died November 27. Her once-active life was altered by a debilitating stroke six years prior. She loved the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, which begins: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.” Her children will miss teasing her about her quirks. She sometimes feigned objection, then quickly joined with a laugh. 

Born in Lenox, IA, to Paul B. and Dorothy J. Godfrey in 1940, her early years were spent on their farm in Wyoming, IA. They relocated in 1952 to Columbia, MO, where she helped with their dairy, pursued school and music, and later volunteered as a nurse’s aide. She graduated from Hickman High School, then earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Missouri. 

She met Eldon W. Cole in 1962. They grew close even during her first year as a new RN working in Colorado, and they married in August 1965 in Columbia. Their newlywed years were spent in Marshall, MO, then they relocated to Mt. Vernon in 1968. For the early years raising four kids, Charlotte left nursing. She later rejoined the workforce as the Mt. Vernon Middle School media center specialist, then returned to nursing for several years before retiring. 

Charlotte thrived on community and gave time, energy and love to organizations including the Presbyterian Church, John Calvin Presbytery and JCP Disaster Assistance, PEO, DAR, Rebel’s Bluff Theater, and other music, youth, and civic groups. Known fondly in later years as “Ma’am” by her grandchildren, she was a kooky-smart, cat-loving, travel-craving, funny human being.

Her memory lives through friends and family including children Scott Cole (Tim Owens) of Kansas City, MO, Deanna McElveen (Randy) of Mount Vernon, Brian Cole (Melissa) of Columbia, and Kelly Warzinik (Jason) of Columbia; sister Helen Gill of Springfield, VA, brother Paul A. Godfrey (Nancy) of Anacortes, WA, and brother-in-law Philip Schaeffer of Bremerton, WA; grandchildren Kayleigh, Amelia, Riley, Zoe, Sadie, Leyla and Alan, and a soon-to-be great-grandchild; and dear niece, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death were Eldon (2022), her brother-in-law David Gill, youngest sister Martha Schaeffer, and her parents. 

 

Thank you to the Mount Vernon Place Care Center team who provided care and love for her for more than five years and became part of her family too.

To celebrate Charlotte, visitation is Dec. 18, from 5 to 7 pm at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home Mt. Vernon, and funeral Dec. 19, at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church Mt. Vernon. Inurnment will be at a later date at Ozark Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be considered for First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, Cottey College, KRPS Public Radio, or an organization with a mission like those that were near to her heart.