Frances R. Cole

Frances Robinson Cole was born June 23, 1929 in Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ to the late Fannie Knight Robinson and Thomas Robert Robinson. She and her brother Howard Brooks Horne were raised and educated in Englewood, NJ. Frances met and married George Alfred Cole in 1948; from this union came two daughters, Quanda Stephanie Louise and Cecily Bertha Lucia; George predeceased her in 1969. After being a great stay at home mom and kitchen hairdresser to every little girl on the block, she decided to branch out to become a working woman. Frances landed a terrific job with the Port of New York Authority as an information agent at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It was quite ground breaking at the time for her to not only enter the work force but to also commute into NYC. Joining that agency proved to be a wise decision that turned into a diverse, fulfilling and successful career. It was loaded with people who became extended family with a wealth of different talents and gifts that helped weave her very colorful personality and life and professional experience. After working at the bus terminal for 3 years she moved to PA Headquarters at 111 8th Avenue in midtown, NYC as a Records Clerk. From there she transferred to Newark Airport Aviation Department and then to the newly constructed World Trade Center, tower one; as Chief Records Clerk of Aviation and finally to the Law Department. While working at the World Trade Center she took a few evening classes at Pace University all while juggling life and being a relatively young widowed mother. Frances multi tasked before there was a definition for managing a lot of things with “seemingly” little effort. She rarely if ever asked for help, she just somehow got it all done. Frances managed to make motherhood look easy and gave her daughters the world through her advice, experiences and unwavering love. She always used the right balance to raise her girls and continued to share her love and support for her only granddaughter Zohna who she adored. After retiring from the Port Authority in 1992, Fran got very involved in her community & home church, Bethany Presbyterian Church in Englewood, NJ. She exercised her public service in the City of Englewood when she served two terms on the Board of Social Services for Local Assistance. Her knowledge of the resources from a City she was raised in allowed Frances to really enjoy the processes involved with helping others. At the conclusion of her service, she was bestowed a commendation from the City. Frances took her love of the Lord to unique and powerful levels, initially by returning to the church where her parents were the first African American couple married. She had the most incredible opera quality soprano voice that she blessed everyone with from the time of her youth. She tried her best to sing “mass choir” style, but could never get on the “1-2” beat, but she’d always do her best to join in. She loved to sing and was passionate about all types of “good music”. Frances became very involved and literally studied the Book of Order, Book of Confessions, Presbyterian Creeds & all things Presbyterian always striving to do everything “properly & in order”. Once she was ordained an elder, Frances really dedicated her life to God & the work of the church. Serving on Session numerous terms both as a member and as the Clerk of Session. She also became very involved in the denomination through the Presbytery of the Palisades working on various Presbytery committees. Learning Polity, meeting people and active involvement, gave her a wealth of knowledge in church prodigal. During transitional times at Bethany, she would be sure the pulpit was always filled with minister to bring the Word. All while helping to form and execute Pastors Nominating Committee to acquire permanent leadership. Many fantastic ministers and seminary graduates came through Bethany thanks to the determination of Frances. In 1996 she became the Moderator of Presbytery of the Palisades followed by being the chairperson of Council. She traveled to General Assembly and educated anyone who she encountered about “what it means to be Presbyterian”. In 1998 Frances and her family transferred their membership began worshiping at The Presbyterian Church of Teaneck in Teaneck, NJ. There she continued to share her knowledge and became involved on many committees. She was elected to and was serving on Session when she experienced her first stoke. She continued to stay close to her church family in both communities as well as those from outside the area. In the final years of her beautiful life, Frances continued to be faithful, hopeful and an inspiration to her family and friends. Everyone has a story about Weenie, Fannie, Louise, Aunt Fran, Aunt Fan-Fan, Grand Fran, Fran, Fannie, Ma, Mom, Mommy and Ommie. She will be desperately missed, always loved and never forgotten…. Until we see you again. Frances loved the Lord but He loved and needed her more. Left here to continue her legacy are her daughters Quanda & Cecily, Granddaughter Zohna, Son-in-Law Howard and a host of family & friends.

Frances R. Cole

June 23, 1929 - June 11, 2015