Lillian Virginia Cole's Obituary
Lillian Virginia Claybrooks was born on August 3, 1931 to the union
of Alford and Lucinda Koonce Claybrooks in Maury City, Tennessee. She was the
youngest of 6 children. As a young child she joined her family as a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church of Maury City.
After the death of her beloved mother, she met and joined in holy matrimony, Macklin
Cole Jr. on August 3, 1958. Mrs. Cole was preceded in death by her parents, sister,
Geneva Jones, brothers Claxton, Charles, Exodus and her beloved husband.
After many wonderful years of marriage and acting as surrogate parents to their many
nieces and nephews, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, Mack Nakia
Cole.
Mrs. Cole worked for many years in the automotive industry before her retirement in
1996; however, she started a new career as the “go to” caregiver to all the newborns in
her family because she thrived in spoiling each new generation. All of her nieces and
nephews and their children knew to call “Aunt Lilly” when they needed an ally against
their parents or wanted a homemade chocolate pie served with sympathy and love.
Even before the birth of her son, all the children gravitated to her and “Uncle M.C.”
because they would be given all the love and attention any child could want.
In her later years, Mrs. Cole became the sole caregiver of her father (which she
considered a privilege) until her death. Mrs. Cole was a member in good standing
of the Williams Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership
of Pastor J. Barber until her illness incapacitated her. Mrs. Cole was well-loved by
family, friends, co-workers and all who knew her. She was a generous person, always
willing to lend a hand, be supportive, never too shy to correct a mistake, but always
happy to give compliments and encouragement. Whenever friends or family members
achieved or met their goals, she was proud, happy and eager to spread the good news
of their success. She was known for her sense of humor and loved practical jokes and
pranks, especially on her brothers. Mrs. Cole was an avid and knowledgeable reader
and student of the Bible.
Mrs. Cole transitioned on April 13,202, she is survived by her son; Mack N. Cole, his
sons; Kyle and Kahlil and her brother; Roger Claybrooks, sisters-in-laws; Mrs. Mary
(Roger) Claybrooks, Mrs. Opaline Claybrooks, along with a host of nieces, nephews
and extended family throughout the United States, including California, Georgia,
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri. Mrs. Cole is also survived by her long-time
friend and neighbor, Mrs. Dorothy Howard.
What’s your fondest memory of Lillian?
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Share a story where Lillian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lillian you’ll never forget.
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