Paula Cole Obituary
Born October 18, 1951, in Waycross, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Doris (A.D.) Crosby and Pauline Lee Crosby. Paula was a 1969 graduate of Ware County High School. She continued her education at Georgia Teachers' College and Valdosta State University, earning an Education Specialist degree. She devoted 35 years of faithful service to the Ware County School System before retiring.
Paula was a member of the Ware County Retired Educators Association and Winona Park Methodist Church. She found joy in life's simple pleasures-watching hummingbirds from her window, cheering on her beloved Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time working crossword puzzles.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frederick Crosby, Hollon Crosby, Phillip Crosby, and an infant brother, Baby Boy Crosby.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Cole of Waycross; two children, Josh Cole (Gina) of Canton, Georgia, and Emily Fraley (Clyde) of Waycross; grandchildren, Peyton and Mason Dowdy, Madhi Cole, and Corbin and Connor Fraley; a brother, Joseph Charles Crosby (Kathy) of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Donna Strickland Carpenter
January 14, 2026
Paula and I have been friends for so many years. We were young girls, our mothers worked together. Paula and I went to Ware County High together, Winona Park Methodist Church and worked together at Ware County Jr High. My prayers go out to Emily, Josh and Robert. I´m so sorry for the loss of your loved one and my dear friend.
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