Dr. Marjia Lee Cole

Dr. Marjia Lee Mann Cole entered this life on February 12, 1936 in Brownsville, Tennessee. She was the oldest child born to the union of Charlie and Vesta Mann.

It was the dawn of industrial technology. At the age of two, the Mann family moved to Detroit, MI. Leaving behind cows, chickens, cotton and red dirt for the city so her father could provide a better quality of living.

The Detroit Public School System provided her first educational experience. Starting in 1940, Marjia attended Campbell Elementary. She was tall for her age and her mother believed her to be advanced and entered into school at the age of four. Following her sixth grade promotion she attended Greusel Intermediate School where she excelled as a cellist participating in an all city orchestra at Cass High School. Her homeroom teacher took an interest in her work performance and encouraged her towards higher academic achievements and awards. When she finally finished high school she was confident in her abilities and participated in many extracurriculars, leading to her graduation as Valedictorian of Northeastern High School in 1952. She continued her thirst for knowledge and at the age of 16 entered Wayne University. During her stay at Wayne, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beta Mu chapter. Some of her fondest memories are of her time with her sorority sisters. Marjia started her career as a second grade and auditorium teacher at Chandler Elementary School with the Detroit Board of Education. After receiving her Master of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, she continued her pursuit for excellence and became the principal of Pitcher of Elementary for 23 years. The Sorority and Pitcher School were her second families. Both were richly rewarding experiences for Marjia that she held in her heart every day of her life. She went on to return to Wayne State University to receive her Doctorate’s Degree in Education. She retired from Pitcher in 1997. However, she continued to provide academic influence as an adjunct instructor at Marygrove College and eventually Chairperson of the Education Department until 1998.

Marjia led a lifetime of activism. In her youth she was an active member of the Young Democrats of Michigan, and member and officer of the NAACP. She was greatly honored by her election to the NAACP Board of Directors in 1964. Her stories of the civil rights movement and her passion for her equality has shaped generations of students and her family. Marjia was the recipient of the Martha Jean Humanitarian Award for service in 1967. Over her career she was also involved with the Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, The Optimist Club International, and Board Member of the Wayne State Educational Alumni Association.

On July 31, 1965 Marjia married the love of her life George Emmett Cole who also preceded her in death. To their union were born two marvelous and industrious children: Dr. Craig Emmett Cole and Dr. Bridget Lovery Cole Williams. During her life, Marjia lived more than most. Filled with travel, music as an accomplished pianist, friends, family and joy! She loved her children deeply and fervently invested in their life, success and future.

After a lengthy stay at the Henry Ford Retirement Village, Marjia reaffirmed her dedication to God as written in Romans 10:9- She was SAVED! Having been raised in a holiness environment, she knew the way and never denied Christ and Him being crucified. At 623 Livingstone Street C.O.G.I.C., Marjia was a junior usher, choir member, vocal coach and the musician for Grace Temple C.O.G.I.C. Mission under Elder James Taylor.

Dr. Marjia Lee Mann Cole exited this life on August 21, 2020 at Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield Campus. She leaves to CARRY ON her memory: her son, Dr. Craig Emmett Cole (Renee), her daughter Dr. Bridget Lovery Cole Williams (Ryan), her five granddaughters: Kendal, Madison, Cameron, Amber, and Brenna. One sister: Charlie May Richards and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends as well as the educational community that she proudly served.

To GOD be the Glory for the things HE has done!!

(written with excerpts from a 1978 autobiography, 2016 auto-obituary, 1997 resume, and family recollections)