of Little Rock, AR

June 8, 1948 - November 5, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Diane Cole, 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas on November 5, 2024. Diane was born in Bellflower, California on June 8, 1948, to the late Ralph Jordan and Elenor O'Briant and loving stepfather, Edwin O'Briant. Diane was a loving mom, grandma, and wife who dedicated her life to her family.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Donald Ray Cole; son, Anthony Ray Cole; niece, Cory Bell; and nephew, Bobby Bell. She is survived by her daughter, Shayne Cole (Renate) of Pflugerville, TX; grandsons, Houston Ray Cole (Brinna) of Minot, ND; Nicholas Ryan Cole of Little Rock, AR; and granddaughter, her littlest love and her baby, Vivianne Isabella Irene Cole of Pflugerville, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Dolores Petersen (Steve), and brother, Eddie O'Briant (Chie), and a host of nieces and nephews that she loved so much.

Diane met the love of her life, Don, while he was stationed in California, and they exchanged hundreds of letters while he was deployed all over the world. They wed on November 12th and 13th in 1965. They shared an authentic love that few are lucky enough to find. Diane was truly heartbroken when Don passed away and had waited a long time to be reunited and he was certainly there to greet her.

Diane and Don were married for 44 years and created a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter and family, which included two children and three grandchildren whom she considered her greatest accomplishment and the lights of her life.

Diane was employed as a secretary at Woodson-Tenent Laboratories for many years, where she was known for efficiency and a kind nature. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting with her mother-in-law, Irene (Granny), crocheting blankets, and cooking delicious meals for her loved ones. She was known for her plate-sized pancakes, enchiladas, pistachio cakes and home baked pies. She also loved fishing, camping, going to casinos, going to the beach and anything she could do alongside Don. She enjoyed spending time with and being a goofball with her sister, Dolores, whom she loved so much and in the last several years, has acquired a love of traveling by train to visit her granddaughter, Vivianne. (She also visited her daughter and family during those trips, but let's be honest, she really got over her fear of traveling because of Vivianne).

Diane will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, her inappropriate jokes, generosity and unwavering love for her family will forever be remembered and as Vivianne said, ''Grandma needed to go take care of Grandpa and Buster (beloved grand dog)''.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and memories she cherished in life.

A service honoring Diane's life will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Ironton Baptist Church.

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