Sandra Gayle Cole

Sandra Powers Cole passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born on March 30, 1941, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Samuel Andrew Powers and Rebecca Jane Walters Powers, as number ten of thirteen children. After attending Glen Oaks High School, she started her career focused on the development and education of children in the Zachary and Central school districts. Sandra began her tenure in the cafeteria in Zachary, transitioned into transporting children and ended up as a paralegal. The impact she had on the children she nurtured went beyond her profession, as she was happiest taking care of others. She raised her own four children but was a ‘bonus mom’ to children’s friends and especially her nieces and nephews, and their children.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Curtis Larue Cole, Sr. and her longtime partner, Victor Hopkins and her beloved daughter, Veronica Jane Cole. She is also preceded by her nine siblings Sophie Cash, Lillian Barrett, S. A. Powers, Kenny Powers, Margaret Vick, Lena Mae Williams, Alma Ambrose, Maude Wascom and Eva Pryor.

Sandra is survived by her loving children Cheryl Ann Cole, Curtis Larue Cole, Jr. and his wife Mary and Cynthia Cole Dunn and her husband Jeffrey; her grandchildren Rickey Firestone and his husband Greg, Suzonne Snethen, Amanda Cole, Jayne Dunn and her wife Lil and Andrew Dunn and his wife Jennifer; and her great-grandchildren Chloe Clark, Joey Green, Jayden Bonkoski, Robert Dunn, Charlie Dunn, Porter Dunn and Finn Dunn. She is also leaves to cherish her memory her sister Ruth Monk and husband Harold; brothers Lonnie Powers and wife Shirley and J.C. Powers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Sandra was devoted to the Lord and could often be found singing hymns and reading scripture. She was a member of Milldale Baptist Church. Her family will forever remember the time and love she spent into making clothes for her children when they were young and will look forward to family events where they try to duplicate her famous steak and gravy recipe – even though ours will never measure up! We are forever thankful for the time we had, and the memories made but will always wish for one more day.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Service at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.