Marla Jane Thomas Cole

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marla Jane Thomas Cole on May 17, 2025. Marla's unwavering spirit and boundless love left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Marla was born on August 11, 1945, to Ollie and Mary Dorsey at the Edwards Airforce Base Hospital in California, where her father Ollie was stationed during World War II. Following his service, Ollie and Mary returned to Jasper, Indiana, where Marla grew up alongside her two sisters, Sherry and Brenda. Tragically, their father passed away in a mining accident when the girls were still very young. Despite this profound loss, Mary raised her daughters with remarkable resilience in Jasper before relocating the family to Atlanta, Georgia, during the girls’teenage years.

In Atlanta, Marla met and married Malcolm Thomas, with whom she had one son, Brian Thomas. After their eventual divorce, Marla found the love of her life, James (Jim) Cole. Marla and Jim married and began a new chapter together in Destin, Florida, in 1978. Jim captained the charter boat Sea Hawk, and Marla contributed her talents to real estate development. Jim and Marla’s mother and father Mary and Ollie preceded her in death, and Marla took solace in the belief that they are now reunited in heaven.

Marla is lovingly remembered by her family, including her sisters Sherry Kersey and Brenda Cline; her son Brian Thomasand her daughter-in-law Ginger Thomas; and her stepdaughters Jennifer Aycock (and her husband Alan) and Janet Cole. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ansley McAteer (and her husband Kevin McAteer), Nathaniel (Nathan) Thomas (and his wife Samantha [Sam] Thomas), Madison (Madi) Thomas, Jonathan (Jace) Thomas, Perrin Aycock, and James (JP) Cole. Marla was also blessed with a great-grandson, Joseph (Joey) McAteer, who brought her immense joy.

Marla’s family will be holding a burial ceremony on Monday June 2nd at 10:00am at the Destin Memorial Cemetery located at 155 Stahlman Ave. Destin, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marla’s memory to the American Cancer Society.