WAYCROSS — Mrs. Paula Crosby Cole, 74, of Waycross, passed away Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, at her residence following an extended illness.
Born October 18, 1951, in Waycross, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Doris (A.D.) Crosby and Pauline Lee Crosby. Mrs. Cole was a 1969 graduate of Ware County High School. She continued her education at Georgia Teachers College and Valdosta State University, earning an Education Specialist degree. She devoted 35 years of faithful service to the Ware County School System before retiring.
Mrs. Cole was a member of the Ware County Retired Educators Association and Winona Park Methodist Church. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — watching hummingbirds from her window, cheering on her beloved University of Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time working crossword puzzles.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Frederick Crosby, Hollon Crosby, Phillip Crosby, and an infant brother, Baby Boy Crosby.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Cole of Waycross; two children, Josh Cole (Gina) of Canton, Ga., and Emily Fraley (Clyde) of Waycross; grandchildren, Peyton and Mason Dowdy, Madhi Cole, and Corbin and Connor Fraley; a brother, Joseph Charles Crosby (Kathy) of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A memorial service was held Saturday, January 17 in the Music Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.
Cole
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Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
