Lois Cole Celebration of Life

Lois, Verdell Dunston- Walker- Cole, 87, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on March 13, 2026 in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 1, 1939 in Erie, PA to the late Clarence and Ophelia Dunston, Sr.  She confessed Jesus Christ at an early age attending Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ.

Lois graduated from Academy High School in 1957 and was a dedicated member of Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church for many years. She was employed by Hammermill/ International Paper Company for 45 years in the finishing room, along with various other jobs, she held at the mill.

Lois was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling around the world. She served in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for several years at the C. Barney/ W. Smith Memorial Post 700.

Her hobbies included crossword puzzles and playing games with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She always enjoyed playing around with the kids and had a great sense of humor. If you have ever visited her home, something you would be drawn to instantly were her plants, which thrived under the care of her natural green thumb. Although "photographer" was not a title she earned per se. Taking pictures was her thing.  She collected memories. If there was ever a special moment, event or occasion it was captured in a photo she took.

Her dedication and love for her family was immeasurable. She was once described by her siblings as generous. She was always there when they needed her.

In addition to her parents she was preceded to glory by her husband James H. Cole, sisters Laurestel Barney (Clarence) Loraine Asby, Lilly Dunston, Loretta Daniels (Demcry), Janet Davis (Donald), Bonnie Moss (Harden) and two brothers Nathaniel Dunston, and Clarence (Sonny) Dunston Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children; Rodney Walker, Stephanie Bethea, Erie Pennsylvania, Carmella, Watson (Aaron) Las Vegas, Nevada, five grandchildren Kyle, R. Bethea, Kyvett Bethea, of Erie Pennsylvania Ashley Reynolds, (Dwight) Ericka Watson,  of Las Vegas, Nevada and Courtnay Watson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, five great grandchildren, Khalil Bethea, Ja'Keir Bethea, and Kyleon Bethea all of Erie Pennsylvania, Jordyn Jackson, Makenzie Jackson, Avery Reynolds, and Ari Reynolds all of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Her brother Henry Dunston (Diane), sister-in-law Irma Dunston of Erie, brother-in-law Steve Asby of Detroit, Michigan,  along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who adored her.

Friends will be received on Saturday, March 21st from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 2624 German Street, Erie, PA. 16504. A funeral service will be held immediately following. Pastor Marcus Yuille, Community Missionary Baptist Church, will be the officiant.   Pastor Colin G. Gavin, Greater Calvary FBC, will bring the eulogy.    Interment will be at Erie County Memorial Garden. Professional services are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Avenue.

Home Going Service will be live streaming on YouTube.