Sylvia Melia (Miller) Cole

Melia Miller Cole, age 60, of Trinity, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.  After a hard-fought five-year battle, Melia was welcomed home into the arms of her Savior. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church.  Funeral service for Melia will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the church with Bro. Scott Delashaw officiating and Parkway Funeral Home directing.  Interment will be in Midway Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.  

Melia was a proud graduate of East Lawrence High School, Class of 1984. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, James Cole, beginning a lifelong love story built on devotion to the Lord and each other.  

She was a member at Faith Baptist Church, where she attended the entirety of her life. She served as the Finance Officer at Morgan County DHR, where she dedicated 25 years of service. She was known for her hard work and dedication.

Melia was a loving mother to her two daughters and a proud Gaga to her three grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.  Her family was the center of her world.

She loved Alabama football, enjoyed cross-stitching, and found peace in the beauty of the mountains. Above all, her faith in Jesus guided her life and gave her strength.

Melia will be remembered as the life of every party—funny, quick-witted, and someone who could light up any room she entered. Her laughter, warmth, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.  Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Miller; brother, Shawn Miller; maternal grandparents, Culis and Velma Nesmith; and paternal grandparents, Emmett and Rebecca Miller. 

Melia leaves behind her husband of 41 years, James Cole; children, Meghan Cole Fagan (Daniel) and Jessa Cole Kelsoe (Garrett); honorary daughter, Cecelia Lightner; and mother, Jean Nesmith Miller.  She also leaves behind her greatest blessings, her grandchildren: Easton Fagan, Mollie Fagan, and Kolter Kelsoe.   

Pallbearers will be her cousins, Darryl Miller, Darryl Nesmith, Gary Slaten, and Steve Slaten, as well as her lifelong friends, Byron Terry and Mike “Bimbo” Moats. Honorary pallbearers will be her cousin, Mark Nesmith, and lifelong friend, Rodney Terry.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Vikki, Kelly, and the other staff of Aveanna Hospice. 

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