Verna Y. Jackson Cole, 78, of Sugar Land, died Wednesday, July 11 at home after a long illness. Mrs. Cole was born September 12, 1928 in Port Arthur, Texas and was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Jackson and Myrtle Hoffpauir Jackson of Groves, Texas and sister Aline Jackson Smith of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

She was a longtime, devoted member of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church where she also worked as the Financial Secretary/Accountant for 37 years. She was a member of the Sugar Land Charter Commission from 1979 – 1981. She received a commendation from Mayor Lee Duggan for her membership on the Planning and Zoning Commission for seven years.

She was a graduate of North Texas State University. She was an active member of the Women’s Christian Service in Houston, Texas and New Rochelle, New York. She was also a member of the Women’s Club of New Rochelle. Verna was an active participant in the continuing fellowship associated with the Dyadis (Greek meaning “growing together as a couple”) Sunday School class she joined 50+ years ago at the Riverside Methodist Church in Houston.

She loved sewing, cooking and took great pride in her extensive gardens at home that were enjoyed by all who came to visit.

Wife of the late Marion A. Cole, she is survived by her children, Greg Cole and wife Trudy of Harvey, Louisiana, Mark Cole and wife Cindy of Franklin, Tennessee, Leann Cavicchi and husband Tom of Norwell, Massachusetts, Laurie Thompson and husband Peter of Montreal, Quebec; grandchildren, Cindy Robinson and husband Jeff, Scott Cole and wife Brandy, Jeff and Andrew Cole, Ashley and Cody Cavicchi, Madison, Grayson, Malcolm and Kevin Thompson; brother Jerry Jackson; nieces Linda and Pam Smith; and two great grandchildren Clayton and Brandon Robinson. The family will receive friends from 6 PM to 8 PM, Thursday, July 19 in the Parlour at the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Cole donated her body to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to benefit the Medical School through the Willed Body Program.