Mr. Cedric Leon Cole's Obituary
Cedric Leon Cole was born on October 21, 1962 in Sumter, South Carolina, at Shaw Air Force Base, to Leon and Katie Cole. He was the eldest of two sons and departed this earthly life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home.
Growing up in a military family, Cedric experienced life in several cities, including Selma, Alabama;
Del Rio, Texas; Colorado Springs Colorado and Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Del Rio High School in Del Rio, Texas, in 1980.
In 1981, the family relocated to Meridian, Mississippi. Cedric continued his education at Meridian Junior College before transferring to Jackson State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in Special Education in 1985.
Cedric dedicated his career to the field of special education, serving as a passionate advocate and teacher
for 16 years. He retired from the Canton Public School District in Canton, Mississippi, in 2009 due to health reasons.
A man of deep faith, Cedric became a devoted member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2007, where he also served as choir director.
Music was woven into the fabric of Cedric’s life. Raised in a musically gifted family, he pursued his passion with dedication and pride. In 1987-1988, he auditioned for MMC and has become a charter member of the Mississippi Mass Choir. His musical journey also included performing with Jerry Smith and the Children of Israel Gospel Choral, directing children’s choirs at Aldersgate United Methodist
Church (Jackson, MS) and St. Mark United Methodist Church (Daleville, MS), as well as performing in the Jackson State University Concert and Gospel Choir (1982–1985), Meridian Community College Variations (1981–1982), and the Howard Payne University Concert Choir in Brownwood, Texas (1981).
Of all his musical achievements, none made him prouder than directing his beloved family choir. Cedric was preceded in death by his mother, Katie Elizabeth Clark Cole, and his paternal grandparents, Booker T. (Vera) Cole and Rev. W. C. (Cinderella) Clark.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and music cherished by his father, Carter Leon (Beverly) Cole of Daleville, MS; brother, Zachary (Yolonda) Cole of Pensacola, FL; nieces, Breachlor Richardson of Scooba, MS, Zyayr Cole of New Albany, NY, Leoncia Cole of Jackson, MS, and Brionne Faulkner of Caryville, FL; nephew, Brandon Luke Davis of Dallas, TX; a loving godson, Zachary Smith of Jackson, MS; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Cedric’s life was a song of joy, faith, and compassion—one that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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Share a story where Cedric's kindness touched your heart.
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