MARGARET THOMASON COLE

MARGARET THOMASON COLE died October 6, 2009 following a brief illness. She was born May 15, 1912, the last child of nine, of Dr. John William and Sue Hayes Goree Thomason.She attended the Sam Houston Normal Institute Demonstration School in her youth. Her college education was divided between the C.I.A. of Denton, Texas, where she studied art, and Ward Belmont College of Nashville, Tennessee, where she graduated. Prior to her marriage she taught English at Groesbeck, Texas. Margaret married Dr. Thomas Cole November 22, 1938. They had a daughter Jan Cole and a son, Dr. T.C. Cole, Jr. both of Huntsville, Texas.As the youngest child of a large family she took on much of the responsibility of caring for her aged mother and helping her siblings as they aged. She was athletic in her youth, enjoying tennis, golf and swimming. Margaret had artistic and musical talent, but set these things aside to give full time to her family. She organized private French lessons with a Parisian professor at SHSU for Jan, Ruth Wynne Thomason, and herself, and encouraged Jan and Tommy in musical and academic studies. Margaret was a proud member of the D.A.R. later in life and was long member of the First United Methodist Church.She loved to travel, visiting China and Japan, Europe and the British Isles. The whole family often toured the USA together.Margaret said that ladies in Huntsville either played bridge or fished. She fished, enjoying many happy hours with Frances Smither, Sue Smither and Grace Bertch. Many of her friends, her beloved husband, and all her brothers and sisters preceded her in death and she was ever hopeful awaiting the summons when she might go to join them.Graveside service will be held October 9, 2009, 11:00 AM in Oakwood Cemetery, Huntsville, Texas with Rev. Scott Dornbush officiating.Visitation for family and friends will be October 8, 2009, 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the home of Dr. and Mrs. T.C. Cole, Jr., 1207 Avenue J, the house in which she was born and in which she married.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Newton Gresham Library, SHSU, John W. Thomason Room, Box 2281, Huntsville, Texas 77341.Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.