Pearl E. Cole, 87, of Clayton, died peacefully at home on Thursday November 5, 2015. Pearl was born to the late Carroll E. and Almeda Tozour Morris in Dover, DE, graduating from Caesar Rodney High School in 1946. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Earle W. Cole. She began her career at Clayton Bank and Trust Co. in the early 1960's and retired after a merger with Bank of Delaware in 1992 as president. She immediately began a second career at Lillian Smith Senior Center, Clayton, De and retired as director after 22 years of service in October 2014. Additionally, she was an entrepreneur as an owner/operator of B and P Transit Bus Company from 1992 to the present day. She was a lifelong active member of Ewells'-St. Paul UMC, Clayton. In addition, she was actively involved as a member of the Clayton Lions Club and Clayton Century Club. She is survived by her son Owen W. Cole, of Clayton; her daughter Almeda C. Cole, of Frankford, DE; a dear sister-in-law, Virginia Morris, of Smyrna; three grandchildren, Scott, Susan, and Britney Cole; six great-grandchildren, Carter, Paisley, Tanner, Grayson, Bryce, and KK. She had several close and dear nieces and nephews, and three special friends like family, Mary Jane Diemicke, Jackie Painter, and Brenda Cole. Friends may call 7-9:00 PM Wednesday November 11, 2015 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Christian Services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday November 12 at Ewell's-St. Paul UMC, 401 West St, Clayton, where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna immediately following the service. The family suggests flowers or contributions be made to Ewell's-St. Paul UMC, PO Box 266, Clayton, DE 19938; to the Lillian Smith Senior Center, PO Box 76, Clayton, DE 19938; or to Delaware Hospice Inc, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.
