Frank (Grace Francis) Cole, age 91, of Malvern, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at her home. She was born on December 18, 1917 in Francisco , North Carolina to the late Robert E. Lee and Dovie Lee Lawrence Francis. Reared and educated in North Carolina , she pursued a course of study in nursing and received her degree while an associate at City Hospital in Winston-Salem . She later became a Nurse-Anesthetist after completing courses in Arizona and at UAMS in Little Rock . Frank served in the profession from 1938 until 1975 when she was honored with a retirement party at the Hamilton House by members of the Hot Spring County Medical Society. She was the widow of the late Dr. John W. Cole, to whom she was married on November 18, 1937 in Martinsville , Virginia . He preceded her in death on June 17, 1982.

She traveled extensively during her lifetime, having visited all 50 states, and had toured all seven continents, riding elephants in India and camels in Egypt . With family members holding public office, Frank had been extremely active in many political campaigns. She had marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Oxford , Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement.

She was a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville , Arkansas , and was Past Worthy Matron for the Grant County Order of the Eastern Star.

Her survivors include a son, Judge John W. Cole and his wife, Mary of Sheridan; two daughters, Dr. Robin Glass and her husband James of Arkadelphia, and former Senator Charlie Cole Chaffin and her husband Sam of Benton; a sister, Louise Palmer of Francisco, North Carolina; six grandchildren, John Lee Cole, Cole Chaffin, Marty Maier, Dr. Grace Aikman, Jamie Dalton, and Rachel Glass; ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Frank was also preceded in death by a son, Jim Frank Cole, USMC, by a granddaughter, Patty Chaffin, and by six brothers, Luke, George, Dewey, Roland, Robert, and Graham Francis.

A memorial service will be held at two o'clock Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2009 in the sanctuary of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville with Brother Ed McDonald, her nephew, and Brother Neal Pumphrey officiating. Davis Creek Baptist Church will provide music for the service. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Memorials are requested to the Malvern/Hot Spring County Library.Times New Roman", Times, serif">

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.