Louise Floyd Cole Obituary

In Memoriam Louise Ophallon Floyd Cole was born December 5, 1950, in Okolona, Mississippi. She was the tenth child of John Lee Floyd and Dona Mae Tucker Floyd. She was the baby of the family and was much loved by her siblings. Her early education was in the Okolona public school system culminating with her graduation from Fannie Carter High School in 1968. She attended college at Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi where she received a B.A. degree in Education. Her college years also helped fuel her passions for reading, writing, civil rights, politics, and football. She had a green thumb and loved entertaining people on her deck which provided beautiful views of her flower gardens. Louise was very active in Mississippi Democratic politics and was very community-oriented. She served as mayor of Okolona for 2 terms, from July 6, 2009 to July1, 2017. She also continued a family tradition of being a Life member in the National Council of Negro Women and served as President of the Okolona Section for 6 years. She was a lifelong Episcopalian and a dedicated member of her beloved St. Bernard's Episcopal Church in Okolona. She was also a board member of the New Hope Cemetery Association which maintains the graves of her ancestors including 26 who were formerly enslaved. Louise is survived by her grandson, Derek Floyd Cole, granddaughter, Brianna Cole, great-granddaughter, Kahealani Cole, daughter-in-law, Talish Cole, three brothers, Herbert "Happy" Floyd, Hugh (Rachel) Floyd and Gerald Floyd and two sisters-in-law, Joyce Floyd and Cora Floyd and her bonus sister, Helen Ware. She also leaves eight nephews, five nieces, and a host of cousins and friends. Louise was preceded in death by her beloved son, Colbry Lang Cole, parents John and Dona Floyd and siblings, John W. Floyd, Lois Ann Floyd Coe, James "Cap" Floyd, Charles Floyd, Marva Floyd, Thomas Floyd, and one nephew, Paul Floyd. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 14th at Noon at Jolly's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1174 Co. Rd. 410, Okolona, MS 38860. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to either of the following organizations: 1. National Council of Negro Women - Okolona Section c/o Virginia Baskin, 226 Co. Rd. 87, Houston, MS 38851. Please make checks payable to NCNW Okolona. 2. Gwen Morrow 60465 Hatley Detroit Rd., Smithville, MS 38870. Make checks payable to New Hope Cemetery Association. 3. Emily Atkinson 808 Hwy. 32 Extd., Houston, MS 38851 Make checks payable to St. Bernard's Episcopal Church. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Louise Ophallon Floyd Cole, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.