Courtney Ann Cole

Funeral services for Courtney Ann Cole, age 47, will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in Monroe. Officiating the services will be Dr. Allison Moody, assisted by Rev. John Mabray and Father Matthew Long. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Monroe. Born in Baton Rouge, LA on February 25, 1965, Courtney Ann Cole went home to her Lord on Sunday, April 22, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She had waged a valiant and courageous battle against cancer, and she did so with dignity, a positive attitude, and perseverance. Courtney was a "trooper" and a role model for all who knew and loved her. A 1984 graduate of River Oaks School in Monroe, Courtney earned a business degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She subsequently received her Masters in Education, Plus Thirty and certification from ULM as well. Courtney never ceased her education. While she actively taught school, she regularly attended workshops and continuing education classes to keep her skills honed. She was also an active member and alumna of Kappa Delta sorority. Courtney was an avid traveler and was always ready for a trip. Her trips to most of the United States, Europe and the Far East were highlights of many a summer vacation. Foremost in Courtney's life was her beloved teaching profession that took her to Wossman High School. It was at Wossman that Courtney flourished as an outstanding, knowledgeable, and compassionate teacher. She loved her students, and they knew it. Willing to work long hours and on weekends, Courtney put everything into their young lives, and they responded. She never missed an event at Wossman. She would travel to every athletic event, performance or ceremony. She was a very popular chaperone for field trips and many other activities. She loved her co-workers at Wossman, and she will be missed. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2006. Courtney was also a member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church. Courtney was preceded in death by her younger sister, Caroline Casey Cole; her grandparents, Jane and Coy Casey and Irene and Winnie Cole. She is survived by her parents, Ann and Henry Cole; aunts and uncles, Connie and Frankie Miletello, Rena and Clayton Cole, Carol Nies, and Catherine and John Mabray. She is also survived by many loving cousins and friends. Her special cousin, Jennifer Owen Biedenharn, gave Courtney extraordinary loving care throughout her illness. Her loving canine companion, Maddie, also brought her comfort. Pallbearers will be Keith Biedenharn, John Fuglar, Jerry Mayhall, Jim Owen, Brian Bertsch and Trimble Mabray. Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Monroe. The family wishes to thank all who came with food, flowers and loving arms that held us up especially, Anne Cookston, Laura Parker, Catherine Mabray, Ann Fuglar and Leslie Bertsch. We love you all. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kerry Anders, Dr. Grace Shumaker, Dr. Barry Weinberger and Shannon Newton for their compassionate care during Courtney's illness. Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant." Memorials may be made in Courtney's name to the ULM Foundation for the Courtney Cole Scholarship Fund, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209, Cancer Foundation League, PAWS or the charity of the donor's choice.