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 Eleanor 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, CorI 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); 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.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15014555800.
Diane was the strongest person I’ve ever known she was the best mother-in-law I’ve ever had she was loving and funny and always made you laugh. I will always cherish her love that she gave for to me and the guidance that she gave to me the last time I seen you . You’ll always be my heart. Love you and miss you
Dear Shayne,
Albert, Jackson, and I are so sorry for your loss. I only met your mother once, but she was exactly as this memorial says: kind natured and dedicated to loving her family. It was clear to me that she loved you, Renate, and Vivie very, very much.
We are sending prayers and love to you and all the loved ones your mother left behind.
Sending condolences to all of Diane's family and hoping for comfort and peace for all.
Diane always welcomed me into her home and treated me like family. I was fortunate enough to enjoy many enchilada nights and was always invited for the 4th of July fun. When I think of Diane, I think of her laughing (usually at Shayne's and my antics) and I'm so very grateful to have known her for most of my life. She will be greatly missed!
Sending love & prayers to Shayne, Renate, Vivianne, Houston & Nicholas. I treasure all the memories of our huge family gatherings. Aunt Diane was so sweet, funny & loving. I was blessed to be able to spend time with her during her illness & tell her how much I loved her. God bless all of you