JoAnn Waller Cole

1925 - 2023

JoAnn Waller Cole
04/01/1925 - 11/19/2023
Six weeks after her home birth in Parkerton, Wyoming on April 1, 1925, JoAnn and her family moved to Austin, Texas so her father could work and study at The University of Texas. They later lived in Norman, Oklahoma before settling in El Paso, Texas where she and older brother Bob grew up, spending summers in Austin until their father completed his graduate studies. In 1942, JoAnn graduated from El Paso High School as a member of the National Honor Society, and received her B.A. in Education in 1945 from Texas College of Mines & Metallurgy (now The University of Texas at El Paso). She was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Chi. After teaching in elementary school a few years, JoAnn married Julian Francis Cole in 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church there. They initially resided in Midland, Texas, then moved to Boulder, Colorado for Julian to pursue graduate work and, by the time they returned to Midland in 1954, had two daughters and soon after twin boys. Sadly, JoAnn was widowed at age 55 when Julian passed away in 1978 following a two-year struggle with cancer.

She continued teaching, mainly 1st & 2nd grade, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Texas Classroom Teachers Assn. An extremely dedicated, conscientious teacher who cared deeply for her students, JoAnn taught altogether almost 30 years. In 1985, she fully embraced retirement, becoming active in the Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Midland Woman's Club, Midland Association of Retired School Personnel, Geo-Wives, and various activities with other cherished friends, including those at First Presbyterian Church where she was a long-time member and (like her mother) an ordained Deacon, for a while serving on the Bereavement Committee which, along with other work, she found very fulfilling. JoAnn drew much strength from her faith, and was also very empathetic and compassionate, often helping others in need.

Her adventurous spirit surfaced in her early 20's with a solo train trip to New Orleans, New York City, and Quebec, and continued throughout her life, even in her late 70's when she embarked on a solo journey to Paris, previously visited with daughter Melanie before they toured the Netherlands. Other trips and the visit with Melanie in Oman were especially memorable, as was the Presbyterian heritage tour taken with church friends in Scotland and Switzerland. Above all, JoAnn treasured time with her family, at home or on trips, abroad and in Texas or other states, including the unforgettable 1965 vacation out west.

In 2010, after living in Midland for over 60 years, JoAnn eagerly moved to the Conservatory at North Austin to be nearer her children and joined Covenant Presbyterian Church, enjoying new-found friends and many activities at both. Characteristically expressive, she relished simple delights-socializing, reading, classical music, and treats (sweets & Mexican food in particular!), besides her trademark aqua/turquoise attire & decor. And she especially loved in recent years to reminisce with family and spend time with grandson Brandon listening to music, watching online church services, and enjoying books he proudly read to her.

Following a period of declining health, JoAnn passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 19, 2023, amazingly 98 years & 7½ months old. Though her family and friends mourn her passing and miss her very much, they also celebrate her life and all about her that was endearing and special, her children ever thankful for the love, devotion, and support received over the years from her and their father, both always so proud of their varied accomplishments. JoAnn was laid to rest in a West Texas family plot alongside her beloved husband and younger daughter, Melanie Cole Lee, at Balmorhea Cemetery near the scenic Davis Mountains. She was also predeceased by her parents Dr. John LeRoy & Mary Julia (Claytor) Waller, brother Robert Franklin Waller & wife Marjorie, other numerous relatives, & "BFF"/family member Leonard Atkinson who provided JoAnn much-appreciated assistance over the years, even the day before his own unexpected passing last July.

Survivors include her children Cathryn, Jeffrey, & Gary Cole; daughters-in-law Charlene Cole & Beth Pringle; favorite (& only) grandson Brandon Cole; nieces Nancy Brown, Jan Boatwright, & Claudia Thomas; other extended family; & "adopted" family member Rose Jeans. A family memorial service celebrating her life was held on July 27, 2024 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, officiated by The Reverend Dr. Jill Williams. Those wishing to make memorial contributions might consider Special Olympics of Texas, Covenant Presbyterian Church, or the American Red Cross.