Boone, NC- Mrs. Mary Helen Greene Cole, age 104, died Sunday, June 30, 2024, in The Foley Center of Blowing Rock. Born August 20, 1919, in Caldwell County, she was a daughter of the late Isaac Gaither and Harriet Elizabeth Estes Greene and the wife of the late Harold Dee Cole, Sr.

Other than her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, two brothers and six sisters.

Her father moved the family to Boone in 1930 to better provide for the family because of the depression. She graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1940 with a BS in Teaching. She taught school in Watauga County before moving to Belair MD in 1943. She worked at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Army Base where she met her husband. Harold and Mary Helen were married on June 29, 1943, and remained married for 53 years. They returned to Boone where she continued with her teaching career and retired after 30 years.

Mary Helen Cole was a long-time member of Greenway Baptist Church where she was active in Women's Mission Circle, Choir member, Three Forks Baptist Association. She was incredibly talented, playing the piano on separate occasions and her role as Minnie Pearl. She loved her church and serving others with the love of Jesus. Mary Helen loved to travel, garden, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Cole is survived by her children, Harold Dee Cole, Jr. and wife Linda of Johnson City, TN; John Cole and wife Judy of Boone; Danny Cole and wife Gladys of Lenoir; Dolores Kerley of Boone and Mary Doris Coffey and husband Tommy of Miller's Creek. She is also survived by her Grandchildren, Rebecca Allen, and husband Rusty of Raleigh; Mark Cole and wife Erica of Huntersville; Pam Turner and husband Kipp of Sugar Grove; Lynette Cole of Lenoir; Elizabeth Cole of Lenoir; Heather Rogers and husband Steven of Blowing Rock; Dustin Kerley and wife Katelyn of Boone. Additionally, she is survived by 15 Great-Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews.

A Celebration of Mrs. Cole's life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, July 5, 2024, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Harold Bennett officiating. A private burial will follow in Mt. Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 until 2:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

The family respectfully requests no food.

Online condolences may be sent to the Cole Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of arrangements.