Effie Lea Corley's Obituary
Effie Lea Corley (Cole)
To know Effie is to love her. Her loving spirit was clear to anyone who met her. She was a beacon of love. A mentor. A peaceful, joyful source of unconditional love that drew people to her.
She believed family was the most important thing.
Her kids say they won the “mom lottery.” Her grandkids think the same.
Her husband James treasured her all of his days. He often brought her wildflowers home on his walks... they took good care of each other in sickness and in health.
She inspired many with her faith in the Lord and her supportive prayers. Her sweet, positive attitude was backed by tough-as-nails strength. She had a natural way of handling hard things with grace.
She filled tables with her buttermilk biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and Mexican cornbread. She loved sharing her pies and holiday treats with family and friends. If you came for a visit, food was sure to be waiting.
She was a skilled seamstress and loved sewing clothes for her family.
She was also known to fearlessly kill a snake or two.
And, she was humble - if she could read this, she would probably tell us to hush.
Effie was born October 24, 1934 at home in Middle Creek, Louisiana to Sam Henry Cole and Mattie Vivian (Ricks) Cole.
She went to heaven July 26, 2022 surrounded by family.
Those dates bookend a beautiful life.
She married her high school sweetheart, James Barto Corley, on May 27, 1953 at her family home in Mt. Carmel after he returned from serving in the Korean War.
They had 2 children, Jim and Jennifer. She always let them know she was their biggest fan.
They loved traveling and spending time with family. They lived in Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. They even lived in a Spartan Mansion trailer for a while. They took frequent road trips to Colorado and to visit family in Michigan and Arizona.
She was one of 6 children - Buford Cole (Ruth), Olin Cole (Bernice), Sammy Armour (Spencer), Sandra Liggio (Jack), and Vivian Cole-Sparks.
Effie and James’ kids are Jim (Peyton Mitchell) and Jennifer (Daniel Witt).
Her granddaughters are grateful to have known Gram for so long. They are Candice Corley (Adrian Calderon), Nicole Corley (Nathan Lewis), Anna Lyons (Scott), Jee Yeong Malik (Mardin), Vivian Witt, Ligia Vest (Austin), and step grand-daughter, Tristan Mora.
She loved beaming over great-grands Geraldine, Pearl, A.J., Ruby, Oliver, Charlie, and Ishaia, and step great-grand, Jasper Mora-Paphitis.
A memorial service will be held at her church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, in Florien, Louisiana (Sabine Parish) at 10 am Friday, July 29.
Friends, family, and anyone who would like to celebrate Effie are invited.
What’s your fondest memory of Effie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Effie?
Share a story where Effie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Effie you’ll never forget.
How did Effie make you smile?