Deacon Addie M. Cole

Service of Triumph for Deaconess Addie Turner Cole

On November 20, 2024, Deaconess Addie Turner Cole went home to be with the Lord. A faithful servant of God, Addie was baptized in 1939 by the late Rev. Isaac Holmes at Tabernacle Baptist Church. She immersed herself in the Church Community, participating in the choir, serving as an usher and Junior Church clerk, and attending the Young People’s Union.

In 1949, Addie joined Eighth Street Baptist Church under the late Rev. J.L. Morgan, remaining a devoted member for 75 years. She sang in the choir, became a Sunday School Superintendent, joined the Social and Dramatic Club, and served as an aide to the Pastor.

In 1983, Addie helped organize an Alcoholics Anonymous program with the late Rev. Reginal Mercer. It was through this program that she met her soulmate, the late Deacon Francis Cole, and they married on July 14,1984. Addie and Francis enjoyed their life together until the day he went home to be with the Lord.

In 1992, Addie was ordained as a Deaconess by Rev. C.A. Bullock. She embraced this role wholeheartedly, ministering to and supporting fellow Church members. Though she stepped back in 2000 due to age, her commitment to her community never waned—she continued to send cards, give encouragement, and make visits when possible.

A lifelong learner, Addie joined the Bible Institute in 2001 to deepen her understanding of God’s Word under Pastor S. Todd Townsend. The following year, she and her husband organized The Up Lifters, an Alcoholics Anonymous support group at Eighth Street Baptist Church. She also served as a representative for Delaware Black Al-Anon groups, a role she cherished as it allowed her to reach more people with her trust in God.

Early Life, Education, and Career

Born on December 6, 1925, in South Norfolk, Virginia, Addie was the daughter of the late Robert J. and Priscilla Turner. She moved to Wilmington, Delaware, under the care of her aunt, Creasy Simmons. Addie completed her education through public schools in Virginia and Delaware, later graduating from Berean Business School in Philadelphia and earning her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Delaware.

She worked briefly for the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles before embarking on a 30- year career with the Division of Social Services and Children of Youth. As a clerk typist and social worker, Addie found great fulfillment in supporting families and protecting abused and neglected children. After retirement, she continued to serve her community as a mentor at Lewis Elementary School.

Civic Engagement and Personal Life

Addie was an active member of the Epsilon RHO Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a NAACP Life member of the YMCA. In 2023, she was honored with a certificate from Delaware’s Office of the Governor, surrounded by her family, Pastor, and Sorority Sisters.

She was also an active member of the Southwest Civic Association, taking immense pride in maintaining a beautifully kept yard admired by her neighbors. Addie was a talented and creative individual who crocheted blankets and caps for nursing home residents and newborns, authored three books, and was an avid seamstress. She also loved drawing, painting, and taking classes to remain intellectually engaged.

Addie cherished spending time with her family, friends, and the church community. Her passion for helping others was evident in everything she did, from mentoring to her unwavering commitment to spiritual growth. Addie had a deep appreciation for beautiful, colorful Church hats, viewing them as more than accessories. To her, they symbolized confidence, pride, and the essence of presenting one’s “Sunday Best.”

A Legacy of Love

Deaconess Addie Cole is survived by two brothers in laws Willie Norwood (wife Doris), Alphonzo Cole (wife Donna) one sister-in-law Willie Mae Norwood and numerous spiritual Godchildren, her devoted niece Sheila Wilkins, her devoted friend and caregiver Monica Anderson, and a host of relatives and friends. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She hoped that her journey would inspire others to become messengers for Christ. In her words, "I thank God for my life, His Word, and all of you who have contributed to my journey."