Geraldine “Jerri” Ellen Cole, 74, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2017, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born in Marion on January 1, 1943, to Willie and Loretta (Shoecraft) Evans and married Eddie L. Cole, who preceded her in death in 2011.
Jerri was a graduate of Marion High School and was a playground attendant for Marion Community Schools for seven years, serving at Frances Slocum Elementary for three years and McCulloch Middle School for four years. She was a charismatic person and loved to laugh. She loved her family and attending church, playing BINGO, and she was best known for her tuna fish casserole and sweet potatoes.
She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Foard, Marion, and Karen (Bravie) Powell, Killeen, Texas; three grandchildren, Niemia (Aaron) White, Indianapolis, Lakisha Powell, Texas, and Kaleb Evans, Marion; three siblings, Marcia Evans, Marion, Richard (Brenda) Evans, Indianapolis, and Ann (Eugene) Simmons, Marion; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Jerri was also a parent to several foster children.
In addition to her parents, as well as her husband of over 40 years, she was preceded in death by one son, Kevin L. Evans, and three brothers, Melvin, Jerome, and Jon Evans.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist, 1204 W. 14th St., Marion. Jerri’s funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Stanford Bolden and Rev. C.L. Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Estates of Serenity in Marion.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.