Dessie Rae Cole

Dessie Rae Cole, born March 16, 1939, was the beloved eldest daughter of the late Will Cole, Sr. and Carrie Griffin Cole. A devoted Christian who accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, she peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026.

Dessie—affectionately known as “Dassie”—was proud of her humble upbringing and the strong Christian and family values that shaped her life. She carried those values with her everywhere she went, living a life rooted in service, compassion, and unwavering love.

Born and raised in Newberry County, she was educated in the Newberry County School System before pursuing a career in the hospital industry as a Medical Technician. Also she was the Matriarch of the Fletcher Chaplin Family. Her gentle spirit and caring nature made her perfectly suited for a life of service to others.

Family was the heartbeat of her world. She cherished every moment spent with loved ones and friends, and she never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand. One of her greatest joys was assisting her family in providing food to seniors during the holiday seasons—spreading joy, comfort, and cheer wherever she could.

Dassie also adored her bonus family, the Cunninghams. Whenever they gathered, she was right there in the midst of the laughter, the stories, and the love—embracing them as they embraced her. Traveling with them brought her tremendous joy, and she treasured every shared adventure.

Her Christian journey began at Fairview Baptist Church in Newberry, South Carolina, and later continued at Word of Harvest of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Columbia, South Carolina, where she served and sang with her beautiful church family.

She also enjoyed attending Active Day on 12th Street in Columbia, where she found companionship, conversation, and community.

Dassie lived by a simple but powerful message: “Be kind and love one another.” She had a heart of gold—one that shined so brightly that others could see the glory of God’s love through her. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit, strength, and love will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Brenda Wheeler Johnson; granddaughter, Christie Nicole Wheeler;  son‑in‑law, Earl Johnson; and her siblings, Will Cole, Jr., James Cole, and Florence Cole Hutcherson; niece, Lisa; nephew, Joe; and brothers-in-law, Curtis Bates, and Johnnie Hutcherson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her grandson, Alex D. Wheeler; great-grandson, Royce; sisters, Jo Ann (Joseph) Bookman and Lillie M. Bates, both of Newberry, SC; nieces, Teresa Howell and Natasha Williams; nephew, Johnnie Eugene (Joy) Hutcherson; great‑nieces and nephew, T‑Kayah (Warren), Initra (James), Aundre, and Ravyn; great‑great nieces and nephew, Jordan, Leslie, Adalee, Reign, Anissa, Jesaiah, Serenidy, Charity, and Jamotie.

She also leaves her loving and devoted caretaker, Elaine Bailey; the loving Cunningham Family; and a host of relatives, friends, and extended family who will forever carry her legacy of love and excellence.

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