Carolyn (Blanton) Cole

Carolyn Blanton Cole of Amarillo took her last breath in this life on March 5, 2024, at the age of 89.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 9:30 AM at Llano Cemetery, with a memorial service to follow at Amarillo United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM

She was born in Gainesville, Texas, on October 30, 1934, to Joseph Weldon Blanton and Adeline Piott Blanton. She graduated from Gainesville High School and continued her education at North Texas State University, where she earned a degree in Music Education. She loved playing the piano and organ and played the lead in musical presentations on more than one occasion. She also played the saxophone and clarinet in the high school band even while in Junior High. Gainesville hosted a circus every year during the off-season with some of the performers from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Carolyn traveled with the circus band and was the circus queen for one year.

While attending Gainesville High School, she met a boy named David Cole. That boy was a star on the football team and had a strong work ethic. Part of his courting of her was to win over her parents by cutting the grass or doing all kinds of things around their home. Just before she graduated with her BA, they married in a simple ceremony in Carolyn's parents' home.

Carolyn and David added four children to their family: three girls and one boy over the next ten years. Carolyn became a very involved parent, teaching all four children piano, leading Girl Scout Troops, and being the Children's Choir Director at church, among many more. When the children were older, she spent her afternoons teaching other children how to excel at the piano.

Carolyn was very active in the United Methodist Church throughout her life. She was baptized and raised at Whaley United Methodist Church in Gainesville. In every town where the family lived, she would become involved in the church as an organist and volunteer in Sunday School and other activities. Carolyn grew in her faith, and her heart of giving grew. She was instrumental in developing mission projects in multiple churches, heading to places like the Four Corners to build and bring the message of God's love to people in need. She gave herself away whenever she had the opportunity.

Carolyn and David were partners in every aspect of their lives. They raised their children in partnership. They worked to give to others through their generosity of time and money. They cared for each other throughout their 69 ½ years of marriage. Together, they taught their children to care for others and to give of themselves often. Their legacy will live on in those who knew them and loved them.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 69 1/2 years, David Cole. Those left to continue sharing her story are her children: Lynn Maxwell of Lewisville; Becky Cole Love of Amarillo; Cynthia Russell and husband, Steve of Tucson, AZ; and Joe Cole and wife Kim of Amarillo. Her sister, Emogene Daurity, and husband, Jimmy, of Bryan, Texas. Her sisters-in-law, Ginger Grant and husband, Bob of Rowlett, Texas; Janet Morris and her husband, Frank of Gainesville, Texas; Maxine Cole of Gainesville, Texas; Nine grandchildren: April Fleming and husband Walter; David Maxwell and wife, Jessica; Larisa Maxwell and wife, Jamie Jones; Jamie Garner and husband, Lane; Samantha Henson, Molly McWhorter and husband, Aaron; Susie Eldridge; Aarika Cole Johnson and husband, Jordan; Jacob Cole and wife, Liz. Her most precious great-grandchildren are Jeremiah, Alexandra, Hudson, Greenleigh, Gracyn, Zion, Levi, Maddox, Jackson, Nathaniel, Micah, Gabe, Mayes, and Cooper, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to BSA Hospice of the SouthWest for their care and support throughout this time.

To honor Carolyn, we suggest that memorial contributions be given to Amarillo United Methodist Church, 3001 Bell Street, Amarillo, 79106, or to the Downtown Women's Center, 409 South Monroe, Amarillo, 79101.