Malinda Gertrude Cole

Malinda Gertrude Cole, 94, of Marietta passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Harmar Place.

She was born, March 27, 1931 in White Sulphur Springs, WV to Andrew Hamilton Alderman and Annie Fairfax (Kern) Alderman.  She was a homemaker who loved to cook, bake and spend time with her family.  Malinda was a very active member of Gilman United Methodist Church. She always helped those in need whether it was a family member or a friend.  She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her church family and the ladies group at church.  Whether it was cooking a meal for fundraising or for a family in need, she was always cooking or baking, and was always having a good time.  She enjoyed going on short day trips with the church ladies and would always look forward to them.

She married Julia Echols “Junior” Cole on May 31, 1949.  He preceded her in death on July 15, 2003.

Surviving are her children: Teresa Cole of Berea, KY, Griffin (Betty Jo) Cole of Alderson, WV, Clark (Carol) Cole, Sandra (Matt) Hickey of Marietta and Tana Cole Price of Wheeling, WV, along with grandchildren Strider (Laura), Jamon (Joey), Shelley, Angela (Russ), Danielle, Dominique (Jennie), and Raynelle (Shane).  Also surviving are 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and survived by a sister, Shelby Whitson of Atlanta, GA and a brother, Ellis and wife Pat, of Altoona, PA.

In addition to her parents and husband, Malinda was preceded in death by a granddaughter Brianna and two infant sons.

Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 6th at Gilman United Methodist Church with Reverend Cheryl Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Messages of sympathy may be sent at Lankfordfh.com.