Shirley Cole

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Shirley Cole, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world on April 13, 2026, after a brave battle with breast cancer. Shirley was born on September 16, 1936, in Key West, Oklahoma, to Pope Roger and Victoria Childs. She was a beacon of love, strength, and resilience, whose legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew her. Shirley's life was a testament to dedication and passion, both in her personal pursuits and professional endeavors. She dedicated many years of her life to her career at Embassy Suites Hotel, where she thrived as a caterer and banquet coordinator. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence made every event she coordinated truly memorable. Her colleagues remember her as a guiding light whose smile could brighten the most demanding of days. A woman of many talents and interests, Shirley found joy and fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fisherwoman, often finding peace and contentment by the water's edge. Her love for dancing was evident as a proud member of the Older and Boulder Dance Group, where she shared countless joyful moments until the pandemic in 2020. Cooking was another of Shirley's passions; her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, where her family gathered to savor the delicious meals she lovingly prepared. Shirley also enjoyed the thrill of a visit to the casino, where she found excitement and camaraderie. Family was the cornerstone of Shirley's life, and she was the matriarch of a large and loving family. She was predeceased by her parents, Pope Roger and Victoria Childs, and her cherished children, Andrea Weber and Keith Cole. She is survived by her devoted children: Linda, Steve (Marsha), Beverly (Alvin), Donnie, and Randy (Samantha). Her legacy of love and kindness continues through her 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her heart. Shirley is also survived by her dear siblings, Raymond Sears, Catherine Debose, and Mary Fellows, who will miss her dearly. Shirley's life will be celebrated on April 24, 2026, at Friendship Church, located at 1709 N Madison, Tulsa, OK 74126. Family and friends are invited to gather as we honor Shirley's remarkable journey and the indelible impact she made on all who were fortunate to know her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to breast cancer research organizations, in hope of finding a cure for the disease that took Shirley from us too soon. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort in knowing that Shirley's spirit will forever inspire us to live with love, embrace joy, and cherish the time we have with those we hold dear. Shirley Cole will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the countless memories and the love she leaves behind.