Maxine Ailene Cole's Obituary
Maxine Ailene Cole was born December 3, 1926, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to J.D. Carter and Bertha (Long) Carter. The fifth of thirteen children, Maxine grew up in a lively and loving household where faith, family, and hard work shaped her early years. She was raised and educated in Okmulgee, later graduating from Earlsboro High School in 1945.
Just a few months after graduation, Maxine married her high school sweetheart, Garnet Cole, in a tender December ceremony. Shortly after Garnet returned home from serving in the Army, the young couple moved to Duncan in 1947, where he began his career with Amerada Petroleum. It was there their family blossomed with the births of their daughters, Linda and Marsha and son, G. Mitchell.
In 1952, during a revival at Velma Baptist Church, Garnet and Maxine experienced a life-changing conversion to Christ. That moment became the foundation for a new purpose and calling. Later that year, Garnet surrendered to the ministry, and Maxine stepped forward wholeheartedly beside him. She embraced the role of pastor's wife with grace and dedication-playing the piano, teaching Sunday School, serving in the nursery, and offering encouragement to all-while nurturing her own family and maintaining a warm, welcoming home. Her quiet strength and steadfast faith touched the lives of countless people through the many years of their ministry.
Maxine passed away on December 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the extraordinary age of 99. Her long life was a testimony to devotion, resilience, and a faith that carried her through every season.
Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her son, G. Mitchell Cole and wife, Glenna; and their children Mitchell Cole, Michael Cole, Michelle Caldwell and her children, Tori, Abbey Kay, Joseph and Marley, Matt Carnes, and Marissa Pritchard and husband, Josh and their children, Ella, Josie, Landon and Claire; grandchildren, Leslie Fairchilds and husband, Jeff, and their children Raegan and Austin Clary; Jordan Thomas and husband, Frank, and their daughter, Camilla; Isaac Ferslew and his daughter, Anna; Hunter Cole and wife, Madisen, and their children, Brighton, Wyson, Charlie and Lakelyn; Kenlee Wolfenberger and husband, Luke, and their children, Hagan, Lawsen, and Griffin.
She is also survived by her siblings, Betty, Gloria, Lonnie, Melvin, Gerald (Gary).
Maxine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Garnet M. Cole; her daughters, Linda Smith and husband, Vernon, and Marsha Ferslew; as well as several siblings who went before her.
A devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, Maxine leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her influence will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.
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