Our beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, Billye Jean Cole, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, at the age of 92. She was welcomed to this world by her parents, Richard, and Willa Calvert on March 16, 1931. Her early life growing up in rural Arkansas during the Depression and WWII taught her a thriftiness and perseverance that she carried through her life. It also meant that if you ever needed a random item, she had one stashed away in a cookie tin, jar, or the junk drawer.

On June 21, 1950, she married Buford Wayne Cole and became a Navy wife. Somehow, she managed to raise five children and moved around the country several times. She was tough and tenacious, and so incredibly kind.

Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to the care of others. She was always ready to prepare someone's favorite food; in fact, she made cornbread every day for Bu. If that's not love, what is?

She shined brightest in her role as "Nene" to her grandkids. She made countless homemade Halloween costumes and dresses, chocolate gravy, and chocolate pie. There was always a container of leftovers to take home. She cheered at ball games, plays, and graduations. She chauffeured to dance classes, practices, and weekly library trips. She helped raise so many of her grandkids and several lived with her while attending the University of Arkansas.  She shared her love of sewing and cooking and tried her best to teach the recipe for her famous "Never Fail Rolls" that were the highlight of every holiday meal. So far, we've all failed to make them. We'll keep trying, but no one compares to her.

Nene is welcomed in Heaven by her husband, Bu; son, Bobby; daughter, Brenda; her parents; and her siblings, Pete, and Bonnie Sue.

Celebrating her memory are her children, Barbara Cole, Betty (Raymond) Landon, Bryan (Brenda) Cole, and daughter-in-law, Drema Cole; sisters, Macle Wilson, and Nancy Stringer; grandchildren, Jeremy, Shanna (Robert), Kevin, Jennifer (Brad), Erin (Michael), Blake (Brianna), Cameron (Piper), and Kylee (Jared); 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be announced later.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralnation.com.