Elizabeth Cole

Elizabeth (Betty) M. Cole, 89, formerly of Warrenton, VA died at Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND on December 13, 2011.  She suffered a massive stroke in June 2002 and had been confined to a nursing home ever since.

Betty was born on April 28, 1922 in Forest Glen, MD, to Pearl E. (Inscoe) and C. William Miles.  She attended public schools, graduating from Montgomery Blair High School in 1939.  She then attended business school. She spent the majority of her working life in finance and accounting for the Department of the Army, mostly at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Betty married William B. Martin Jr. of Clemson, SC on May 23, 1942 in Columbus, GA.  They were divorced in 1951.  She married John C. Cole Jr. of Altamont, NY on March 25, 1966 in Silver Spring, MD.  They celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary this year.

Once John and Betty moved from Silver Spring to Warrenton, John maintained a huge garden.  Betty spent many hours canning and freezing produce for their use and as gifts for their many friends.

Betty was a member of the International Order of Job's Daughters while a youth.  She served as presiding officer of Bethel #18, Silver Spring, in 1938-39.  She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She and her husband were both involved in National Sojourners.  She was an active member of her church, Warrenton United Methodist Church, and chaired the annual fund-raising bazaar for many years.

Betty was an avid needlewoman.  She was a member of the Embroiders' Guild of America, serving as an officer of her local chapter for many years.  She was proficient in needlepoint, black work, Battenburg lace making, Hardanger embroidery, quilting, and needle weaving.  She made six braided rugs for her home.  She won many prizes for her excellent work, and passed on her love of needlework to her daughter, stepdaughter, and granddaughter.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband John, who died on April 11, 2011.  She is survived by her sister, Joy Weigel, of West Chester, PA; her son, William (Billy) B. Martin, III of Central, SC; her daughter, M. Joy Erickson, of Fargo, ND; her stepdaughters, Patricia A. Robinson (Rob) of Laurel, MD, and Candiss A. Cole-Footitt (Rodger) of Sedona, AZ; six grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.