Joan Cole

COLE, Joan Meadow Cole passed away at home surrounded by her family on March 28, 2026. Joan was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Jacob Robert and Margaret Cobb Meadow on August 10, 1934.

Growing up, Joan lived in Delaware, Tennessee, and New Jersey before finally settling in Lexington, Kentucky at the age of ten. She pursued a topical major in clothing and merchandizing at the University of Kentucky (UK) for three years prior to marrying James Kenneth (Ken) Cole in 1955. While at the University she earned a letter as a member of Troopers, a UK entertainment group. They moved to and lived in Boston, Massachusetts for two years where Joan worked as a librarian in Lamont Library on Harvard University campus and Ken served as a lieutenant in the US Air Force. Shortly after moving to Boston, their son Bob was born June 6, 1956. The following year they moved to Albuquerque where they lovingly raised and supported their growing family.

Joan and Ken celebrated more than 67 years of marriage and raised four grown, married children: The late James Robert (Bob) and his wife, Leigh Ann Cole, Janet Lynn and husband, Kerry Zottnick, David Jefferson and wife, Kathryn Cole, Brian Douglas and wife, Joan Cole. She was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. 

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Ken and survived by her only sister Barabara Clynch (Ed). She enjoyed gardening, traveling, movies, photography, shopping, walking and the out-of-doors. She always treasured her beautiful rose garden. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church for almost 69 years and served as a Deacon for three three-year terms.

Joan’s service will be held in the First Presbyterian Church in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 1, starting at 9:00 am. Following a small reception, a private graveside internment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Deacon’s fund at First Presbyterian Church.