Mrs. Marcella Jeanette (Clemons) Cole was born on September 19, 1932 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Harve and Lillian Wortham (Goble) Clemons. Marcella was the third youngest of eight children, all daughters, which include from oldest to youngest: Frances, Harriet, Helen, Mary Jean “Jeanie”, Margaret, Marcella, Nancy and Wanda. In 1929, after the Great Depression began, life became very difficult for many American families. At this time, many families were split up due to financial hardships caused by the depression. The Clemons’ family was greatly affected by the Great Depression, as well, as it did not discriminate. In 1937, six of the young Clemons girls were placed into various foster care homes and/or the Louisville, Kentucky, Orsmby Children’s Home, with most of the children leaving their home in Louisville. October of 1939, at the age of 7, Marcella went to her last foster home with Harry and Golda Osborn located outside Fairview, Indiana, in Switzerland County, Indiana. A few weeks later, Marcella started grade school at the nearby Harrison School located on Aaron Road. Marcella enjoyed living on the farm, helping Harry with the farm chores of milking the cows mornings and evenings. Marcella attended and became a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. She was baptized here at 11 years of age. Marcella was fortunate to have two of her closest sisters, Nancy and Margaret, placed in the nearby home of the daughter and son-in-law of her foster parents. The three sisters were often able to visit with one another due to the family ties of the foster parents. In 1941, Marcella attended the yearly Fairview Fair and entered the annual music contest. Dressed in cowgirl attire, she sang and yodeled the song “I Want to be a Cowboy Sweetheart,” winning first place, blue ribbon. She would always remember this event and tell her children and grandchildren in great detail about it with great excitement and pride. In 1948, Marcella began her freshman year at the Vevay High School. She graduated in May, 1951. During her last year of high school, Marcella met her future husband, Emerson Clayton Cole, of the Fairview area. After a short courtship, Emerson proposed to Marcella while they were in a boat at nearby Lake Geneva. On June 1, 1951, Marcella and Emerson were united in marriage. The wedding took place at the Fairview United Methodist Parsonage, officiated by the Reverend Wayne Robbins. Marcella’s maid of honor, as well as best friend, was Edith Mae Hatton. Emerson’s best man was Charlie Lohide. After a wonderful, beautiful trip to Niagara Falls, New York, the couple’s first home was made in East Enterprise, Indiana. June 7, 1952, Marcella gave birth to the couples first child, a daughter named Linda Sue. In 1953, Marcella, Emerson and daughter moved into the home of his parents, Harvey and Nellie Cole, located on Fairview Road. During this time, March 2, 1954, a second child, Kathy Ann, was born. In 1955, Marcella and Emerson moved into a house located near Bennington, Indiana. While living here, February 25, 1956, a third child, Emerson Clayton Cole, Jr. was born to the couple. Later in 1956, Marcella and Emerson purchased their first home located in Center Square, Indiana. Fourth child, Stephen Michael, was born on October, 17, 1960. The family spent several years at this home until they decided to purchase a farm in the fall of 1966. They bought the farm of Thelma Scudder on Edgar Scudder Road, near Fairview, Indiana. Marcella and Emerson were so happy to have made this purchase. They both loved the farm and various farm animals. Marcella and Emerson enjoyed harvesting an abundance of vegetables and fruits together for many years. In later years, Marcella joyfully took many of the garden vegetables and fruits to sell at the local farmers market in Vevay, Indiana. She loved speaking with the many vendors and customers. October 11, 1969, a fifth child, Randall Eric, was born. May 15, 1974, a sixth child, Derrick Allen, died in childbirth during a difficult delivery. This was devastating to Marcella, Emerson and family. Marcella enjoyed trying several things during her lifetime. At one time, she babysat children in her home. Later, she ventured outside the home and enjoyed working at her sister-in-law’s restaurant, Brown’s Restaurant, located in nearby East Enterprise. In 1991, Marcella was employed to work as a door greeter at the Aurora Wal-Mart. This job suited Marcella very well, as she loved talking with people and enjoyed making new friends. Marcella was truly a people person. Marcella was employed part time as a substitute teacher at the Switzerland County High School. She was so proud and happy to be with all of the children and employees there. She couldn’t wait to get that phone call to come in and fill in for someone. In August, 1993, Marcella visited her son, Randall, in Germany while he was employed there. She was able to tour 13 countries, including Rome, Italy, which she fell in love with. In 2001, Marcella and Emerson took a 50th anniversary trip to Hawaii. They both enjoyed the trip taking in the beautiful sights, delicious foods and great history of the islands. In 1993, Marcella took a trip to New York to visit her son Randall and tour the sites of New York. In 1998, Marcella found a lump on the side of her throat. She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a very aggressive form of cancer. Marcella underwent radiation and chemotherapy which held her cancer in check. Marcella traveled to Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York to ensure her remission. Proudly, Marcella often said, I beat the cancer. She stayed in remission to the time of her death. Marcella was a life-long member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. She joyfully participated in the many activities held there, singing songs for the congregation was a favorite. During her lifetime, Marcella had also enjoyed visiting many places within the states, such as the Great Smokey Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Mt. Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, California, New York and several other places. She loved taking many, many pictures of places she visited and of family members. March 21, 2014, Marcella sadly lost her life’s mate of 62 years, Emerson. Marcella remained on the farm after Emerson’s death until she moved to Ripley Crossing Care Facility, June of 2016. August, 2014, Marcella entered an apple pie baking contest and won 1st place. Marcella was very happy and proud of her accomplishment. She immensely enjoyed her family gatherings, preparing the best of meals. She took great pleasure visiting her family and friends. Marcella was proud to be a Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, gardener, and employee during her life time. Marcella was an excellent cook, especially apple pies. Her family loved coming home to visit and enjoying her fabulous home cooked meals. Marcella Jeanette (Clemons) Cole quietly passed away at Highpoint Health in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Thursday morning, October 24, 2019, at 2:09 a.m.
Marcella will be deeply missed by her children: Linda Jones, Kathy Smith (Mark), Emerson Cole, Jr. (Mary), Stephen Cole (Carla Stillwell), and Randall Cole; 14-grandchildren: Cristina (Jones) Miller, Andrew Jones (Kara), Joshua Kinman (Celine), Sarah (Kinman) Oeffinger, Suzanne (Kinman) Cyr (Chad), Clinton Cole (Amber), Victoria Cole (Werner) Matthew, Jacob Cole (Rachel), Thomas Cole (Missy), Brandi (Cole) Rowley (Kyle), Kelly (Cole) Baudino (Nick), Clayton Cole (Selena Venezia), Benjamin Cole, and Samuel Cole; 20-great grandchildren: Christian Miller, Joseph Miller, Jadon Miller, Chandler Jones, Paul, Laura, Kendall, Landon Cole, Kaleb Cole, Bryce, Ariel Oeffinger, Keirstan Oeffinger, Terra Oeffinger, Leilah Oeffinger, Kylee Rowley, Cole Rowley, Brooks Rowley, Paige Werner, Preslie Werner, Jada Baudino, Liam Baudino, Malcolm Kinman, Stella Cyr, and A.J. Cyr; sisters, Margaret Alford Johnson of Tucson, AZ, and Wanda Garrett (Dean) of Columbia, TN and sister-in-law, Wilma Works Cole and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emerson Clayton Cole (2014); son, Derrick Allen Cole (1974); son-in-law, Bill Jones (2010); grandson-in-law, Keith Oeffinger (2013) and Jim Miller (2017); sisters, Frances, Harriet, Helen, Mary Jean “Jeanie”, and Nancy.
Friends may call 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2019, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2019, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
The family request memorial contributions to the Fairview United Methodist Church. www.haskellandmorrison.com