Billie Josephine Cole, age 70, of Rocky Point and formerly of Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter in Wilmington with family by her side.

She was born February 1, 1940 in South Flomaton, Florida and was the daughter of the late Byron Lorain and Katherine May Grant Botts. Lovingly remembered are her husband, LeGrande Ogden Cole, Jr. and a sister, Patricia Markison.

Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Mark and Stacey Cole of Rocky Point; five grandsons, Austin Cole, Jeffrey Cole, Jeremy Cole, Garrett Cole and Gavin Cole; sisters, Mary Maiberger of Pensacola, Florida and Linda Looney of Roy, Utah; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Cole was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Northside Baptist Church.

Billie loved her family dearly and showed it in many ways. Being a strong and courageous lady, Billie raised their young son, Kenny, after LeGrande "Lee" was shot down (MIA) in his A-4 Skyhawk in Vietnam while serving in the US Navy. Billie found great joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest joy was family. She enjoyed traveling, Bingo and shopping. Her steadfast faith in the Lord took her through an extended illness. Billie's family is grateful to God for her life and for your kindness, friendship and prayers. Her sweet smile, warm heart and gentle spirit will always be remembered.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with Pastor Rob Strickland officiating. Following the funeral service the family will receive friends at the funeral home until 5:00 p.m.

Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.