Peggy Ann Chambers Cole

Mrs. Peggy Ann Chambers Cole, 87 of Savannah, Georgia peacefully passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 23, 2021, while being surrounded by her loving family.

A native and lifelong Savannahian, she was born in Savannah in 1933, at Telfair Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Milton Chambers, Sr. (Ida Damask Bravo). While braving cancer the final two years of her life, she was lovingly cared for at the home of her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. T.C. Brightbill (Carole Ann) in Birmingham, Alabama. Mrs. Cole was a graduate of Savannah High School where she was named ‘Best Dressed’ in her senior year. In 1955, she was one of six diploma graduates from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing. She considered nursing ‘a calling’ and as a Registered Nurse she wore her starched, bright white uniform dress, polished and buffed white clinic shoes, and St. Joseph’s Hospital starched cap proudly while she delivered the highest quality of patient care. Upon graduation, she was employed by The Central of Georgia Railroad Hospital for five years then returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital where she faithfully served for 35 years in the role of House Supervisor and Assistant Director of Nursing. She was a wonderful role model for nursing and as a result, both of her daughters (Susan and Carole Ann) followed in her footsteps to become Registered Nurses.

In 1957, Peggy wed Mr. Thomas Whatley Cole of Montezuma, Georgia at Morningside Baptist Church and they shared 47 happy years together until his death in 2004. Mrs. Cole served as the church pianist for several years while her husband taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon. They had two beloved daughters, Susan and Carole Ann.

The Coles moved their church membership to Calvary Baptist Temple in 1966, where they continued to serve The Lord. Mrs. Cole was a member of The Charity Sunday School Class, the J.B. Hathaway Mission Group, and she often hosted the Skippo Club at her home. Mrs. Cole also served as the pianist for Cohen’s Retreat for 20 years and played for other nursing homes as the need arose.

Mrs. Cole was the epitome of a dignified, southern lady. She had many interests including her love of music, gardening, baking, decorating, and traveling. Her greatest joy was being with her daughters and their families, her extended family, and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mr. Thomas Whatley Cole in 2004, her mother, Mrs. Ida Damask Bravo Chambers in 1979, her father, Mr. Forrest Milton Chambers, Sr. in 1989 and her brother, Mr. Forrest Milton Chambers, Jr. in 2004. She leaves behind to carry on her legacy her two daughters and sons-in-law: Mrs. Susan Cole Sheehan (Dr. Clyde Alexander Sheehan) of Tupelo, Mississippi and Mrs. Carole Ann Cole Brightbill (Dr. T. C. Brightbill) of Birmingham, Alabama; adored grandchildren and spouses, Mr. Matthew Thomas Brightbill (Mrs. Elizabeth Reichle Brightbill) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Mrs. Katherine Susan Brightbill Parker (Mr. Jackson Parker) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mr. Thomas Alexander Sheehan of Tupelo, Mississippi; great grandson, Bennett Matthew Brightbill of Charlotte, North Carolina; nieces, nephews and spouses, Mrs. Caren Chambers Lee (Mr. Walter R. Lee), Mrs. Allison Chambers Griffin (Mr. Christopher P. Griffin) and Mr. Forrest Milton Chambers, III (Mrs. Ann Ingram) all of Savannah, Georgia; Mrs. Ann Grubb Betzold (Mr. Paul Betzold) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mrs. Carole Black Wright (Mr. James Wright) of Atlanta, Georgia and Mr. Lester Shirah Cole of Montezuma, Georgia; special cousin, Mrs. Jewell Roberts Bunker; several great nieces and nephews and many dear friends including her ‘sister’, Mrs. Ray Gaskin (Jenny) and ‘son’, Mr. Cliff Ricks.

A visitation is planned for Wednesday April 28, 2021 from 5-7pm at Baker McCullough Funeral Home Hubert C. Baker Chapel. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of the funeral home Thursday April 29, 2021 at 1pm with Rev. Kenny Grant officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.