Geraldine Cole

Geraldine "Geri" Abernathy Cole passed away on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in a local health care facility. She was born on Jan. 9, 1926, in Delano, Tenn., to Mary Edith McKeehan and Clyde H. Abernathy. Geri graduated co-valedictorian from Hixson High School in 1943. After graduating from high school, she began her career in radiology. She received her training as an x-ray technician from Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, and Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville. Geri continued in that profession for the next 50 years, primarily at Tepper Clinic in Chattanooga, and North Park Hospital in Hixson. Food, family and friends were always very important to her. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting large dinner parties in her home. Thanksgiving meals were legendary at the Cole home, annually hosting 50 to 90 family members and friends. Geri loved travel and adventure and took many trips abroad. She was an avid fisherman, taking fishing expeditions to Alaska and Nova Scotia. She lived exuberantly, and she loved including her grandchildren in her adventures. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne Cole; brother-in-law, William P. Aiken Sr.; grandson-in-law, Jeff Embrey; and great-grandson, Alec Newby. She is survived by her children, Mary Caudle (Dr. William R. Caudle), Penni Stansell, Zack Coley, (Amanda E.); sister, Lorraine Aiken; grandchildren, Joey, Alyssa, Christie, Shane, Cortney, Shannon, Stacie and Amy; great-grandchildren, Chris, Wesley, Jenny, Jack, Gracie, Abby, Jacob, Xavier, Nate and Benjamin; four nephews; one niece; and their families. The family will have a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Red Bank United Methodist Church. Rev. Render Caines and Rev. Eric Mullinax will officiate. In true "Geraldine fashion", the service will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall complete with food, family and friends! In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga, the Orange Grove Center or to a charity of personal choice. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike. 423-531-3975.