Dr. Loressa Mae Cole

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Loressa Mae Cole, on April 9, 2025, at the age of 68. She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, the greatest Grandma Yellow, cherished friend and compassionate nurse. Loressa passed peacefully in her Serenity Hill home, surrounded by her loved ones. She will be lovingly remembered by her two children, Kristen Cios and Taylor Shirley; whom she loved fiercely, her husband and best friend Mark Shirley, her granddaughter River Cios-Pollack, who was the light of her life, her son-in-law Adam Pollack, daughter-in-law Kali Olin, mother Gaynelle Cole, and her brother Rick Cole and his wife Melinda, as well as many nieces and nephews. Loressa was preceded in death by her father James Cole and brother Robby Cole.
Loressa was a nurse for 48 years and held numerous high caliber nursing roles during her career. Loressa retired in 2023 as Chief Executive of the American Nurses Association and also held other career positions including Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer within the HCA capital division. While CNO at Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital, she led the hospital to attain its capital ANCC Magnet Recognition. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Cole served on the Virginia Nurses Association board for several years, including as president of the Virginia Nurses Association from 2012-2014, and was the 2022 recipient of the Virginia Nurse's Foundation's Nancy Vance Award, the highest honor given by Virginia Nurses Association for exceptional leadership and achievements.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Loressa. She was a West Virginia girl at heart. Her love of nature and her gentleness with all living things was an innate part of her being. She loved watching the sunset with Mark & Spike from her WV hilltop home with a glass of Chardonnay and was an avid reader of thousands of books. No matter how many sunsets she witnessed she was always in awe of each and every one, stating at times, God was the artist. She looked forward to spring & summer when she could start her garden, watch the hummingbirds, ride in her T-Bird with the top down, and spend more time outside. She also loved being in the kitchen making her famous, from-scratch biscuits for her family. Her loved ones always came first in every aspect of her life. Her selflessness was unparalleled.
The family will hold a visitation at Johnston Chapel Baptist Church in Princeton, WV on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 2pm to 4pm. The funeral will be held at the same location on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 3pm with interment following at Woodland Cemetery in Rich Creek, Virginia. In lieu of Flowers, Memorial donations may be made in Loressa's name to First Baptist Church of Rich Creek (Faithful Feeds Outreach) P.O. Box 307, Rich Creek, Virginia 24147.
Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.