Jerry Allen Cole

Jerry Allen Cole was born April 24, 1952, in Estill, South Carolina, the beloved son and one of seventeen children born to the late Sandy and Josie Bell Cole. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.

“Cole” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Hampton County and graduated from Estill Training School. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the National Guard. Jerry was first employed with Capital Police Department as a Police Office, and then with Sled from which he retired in 2005, after many years of dedicated service. He also taught at Spring Valley High School.

Jerry was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Joanne, who he adored. Their union was blessed with sixteen years of love and devotion to each other and a beautiful family.

Jerry was very outspoken, and you always knew where you stood with him; however, he was a very friendly man with a huge heart. Though he is no longer physically with us, his loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all those who loved and knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Jerry Lamont Cole; brothers, Leroy, Frank Ervin, and Bennie Cole; and sisters, Nora Lee Hagood, and Jerlin C. Scott.

Those who are cherishing fond and precious memories of Jerry are his loving and devoted wife, Joanne D. Cole of the home; children, Raquel Brooks, and Jeremy L. Cole; and  Courtney Watson who was like a daughter to him;  caring brothers, Jimmy Fredrick Cole, Leon (Deloris) Cole, Willie James (Yvette) Cole, both of New Jersey; loving sisters, Beulah Devore, Anna B. Washington, both of Philadelphia, PA, Alberta C. Dowling of Brooklyn, NY, and Mittie (Abraham) James of Estill, SC; a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, special friends, Pastor John E. Sanders, Otis C. Smart Jr.,  Timothy Styles, Johnny Taylor, Raymond Burroughs, Teddy Thomas, Eddie Murray, and Lee Rodgers; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss him. 

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