Virgie Earnestine Cole Thomas

Virgie Earnestine Cole, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at Brooksdale Assisted Living in Englewood, Ohio. She was born on June 28, 1930, in Ripley, Mississippi, to the late Jamie Verner Cole and Henry Cole. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Ripley, the family church she cherished. After marriage, she became a member of Ball Hill Baptist Church in Tiplersville, Mississippi. Later, as her husband Sam’s health declined, she joined Living Word Faith Center in New Albany, Mississippi, where she found comfort and spiritual strength. Virgie was educated in the Ripley school system, graduating from Line Street High School—formerly the school for colored students. She continued her education at Northeast Community College in Booneville, Mississippi, majoring in Art Education. In May 1977, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Blue Mountain College, where she met her lifelong friend, Dwala South. A devoted worker and servant-hearted woman, Virgie held positions at the Welfare Office and People’s Bank of Ripley, where she later retired after many dedicated years. Retirement did not slow her down—she went on to work at the local library, a place she adored, and where she formed a special friendship with Tommy Covington. Virgie Earnistine Cole will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, artistic heart, strong faith, and the deep love she carried for her family and friends. Her legacy of kindness and perseverance will continue to live on in all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sammie Lee Thomas, and her siblings Sarah Cole Cotton, Henry Cole, David Cole, Elmer Cole, and Edwin Verner Cole. Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Col. Kenneth (Sandy) Thomas of Franklin, Illinois; Marlena (Bobby) Beavers of Clayton, Ohio; and Doris (Robert) Minor of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is also lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two nieces, Ginger Hill and Brenda Mateen, who brought tremendous joy to her life. Pallbearers: Michael Wallace, Jameel Allen, Robert Minor, Jr., Dominic Hines, Louis Hill, Miles Robinson Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Thomas Sr., Robert K. Minor, Sr., Bobby Beavers In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Please note that the National Cemetery in Corinth does not permit flowers.

Virgie Earnestine Cole Thomas

June 28, 1930 - December 2, 2025