Thelma Cole, 95, of Beaumont, died Saturday, March 23, 2013.  She was born the youngest of nine children, on November 15, 1917, in Beaumont, to Harriet Elizabeth Burks Hayes and Buck Hayes. 

Survivors include her sons, Herbert Milton Cole, Jr. of El Cerrito, California and Jack Richard Cole of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Herbert Cole, III; Retired Lt. Col. Reyes Zachary Cole; Meghan Harris; and Rebekah Ulatowski; and great-grandchildren, Emily Cole; Aidan Cole; John Harris; Muriel Harris; Hunter Cole; Riley Cole; Piper Cole; and Delaney Cole.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herbert Milton Cole, Sr.; son, John Boyt Cole; and siblings.

She was a woman of Texas. She drove a tractor and herded cattle. She attended two presidential elections.  Her father witnessed the “Spindletop Gusher.” Her great-great-grandfather equipped and led a company of thirty-two men from Beaumont to join Sam Houston’s army in the Battle for Texas independence. She was our “Granny”, we love her, and she will be missed.

A gathering of Mrs. Cole’s family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.  Her graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.