Earline Cole

Earline Jane Arnaud Cole passed away peacefully on February 28, 2022, after an extended illness. Meme, as she was known to those who loved her most, was the matriarch of a family whose foundation of love, faith, and the community she spent a lifetime nurturing. Born on December 8, 1937, in Eunice, Louisiana, to Odilia Moreau Arnaud and Gus Arnaud. Earline was the youngest of twelve siblings. In 1956 she graduated from Eunice High School and married Jimmie Cole, with whom she had five children.

With a pot of coffee always brewing, Earline received visitors on a daily basis. Whether it was a family member from out of town or a friend just stopping by, she welcomed everyone with her joyful laugh and big heart. Rest assured, if you arrived hungry, you would never leave that way.

Earline lived her life with deep faith and Joire de Vivre in her heart. She loved to sing, whether a jazzy tune or praise and worship at church. The holidays were special each and every year because of Earlene. Christmas brought out her inner child, and she was a member of Houma's Krewe of Aphrodite for several years. Earline possessed a particular affinity for animals. She showered her animal friends with love and attention. Most of all, she enjoyed traveling, especially to see her grandchildren- her pride and joy.

Earline had a successful career helping others make their homeownership dreams come true as a real estate agent. She spent the majority of her professional life working at firms in South Louisiana, including Houma, New Orleans, and Lafayette, as well as Atlanta, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gustave and Odilia Moreau Arnaud;  six sisters;  four brothers;  granddaughter Kristin Cole;  and great-grandchildren Stella Clare, and Nyle and Griffin Courville.

She is survived by her children Jimmie Cole (Kim) of Lafayette, Mitzi Zayas (Antonio) of Carencro, Terry Cole (Nancy) of The Woodlands, Texas, Lynn Cole (Julie) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Tommy Cole of Houma; 13 grandchildren, Jonathan Cole, Samantha Kelly, Christopher Clare, Heather Courville, Bethany Cole, Caleb Cole, Jordan Cole, Elisabeth Cole, Austin Cole, Laura Jane Rawlings, Spencer Cole, Tanner Cole and Brandon Cole;  10 great-grandchildren, Dante’ Jordan, Jon Clare, Kate Clare, Ben Clare, Everett Cole, Ethan Cole, Myles Cole, Case Cole, Anniston Barrett and Capri Courville;  a sister Deola Deshotel of Eunice, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at Walters Funeral Home (2424 N University Ave, Lafayette, LA) on Saturday, March 5, 2022, beginning with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Antonio Zayas will officiate the ceremony.  A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will immediately follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.  A reception will follow at World Harvest Lighthouse Church (125 E. Butcher Switch Road in Lafayette).

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Cole, Christopher Clare, Austin Cole, Spencer Cole, Brandon Cole and Dante’ Jordan. Honorary Pallbearers are Tanner Cole and Jonathan Clare.

Musical selections will be performed by Caleb Cole and Elisabeth Cole.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Crowley, Traditions Hospice Care, and World Harvest Lighthouse Church for arranging the post service reception for our guests, and the love and support you have shown during this time.

Walters Funeral Home, (337) 706-8941, is in charge of funeral arrangements.