Wilma Cole Loftin Obituary

Mrs. Wilma Ann Cole Loftin, age 83, of Centralhatchee passed away at her home on Thursday, June 19, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on April 8, 1942 in Villa Rica, Georgia to the late Emmett Chapel Cole and Gladys Morrow Cole. She graduated from Heard County High School in 1960, where she played girls' basketball. On September 17th following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Eley, and they would go on to remain married for the rest of her life, sharing nearly 65 years of marriage.
Over the years, she worked a number of different jobs, but her favorite role by far was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She built a home where everyone felt welcome and where her family always came first. In particular, being a grandmother and great-grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. You could hear the pride in her voice whenever she spoke about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to spoil them and always made sure they knew how much they meant to her. She will forever be remembered as the world's best Grandma and Grammy.
After retiring in 2000, she and Eley spent much of their time camping in their fifth wheels – whether in the mountains or at the beach. For many years, they traveled just about anywhere their minivans would take them. Every now and then, if the mood struck, she didn't mind a little trip to Biloxi, especially if she could find a lucky slot machine once she got there. She had a deep love for her Yorkies and took great pride in raising several litters over the years, often keeping one for herself. She leaves behind three of them: Peanut, Sissy, and Little Bit.
Wilma was a devoted member of Centralhatchee First Baptist Church for many years and held firmly to her faith throughout her life. She was strong-willed, quick-witted, and you never had to guess what was on her mind. If she had something to say, you were going to hear it.
She is survived by her husband, Eley Henderson Loftin; her two children, Richard Chapel ("Chuck") Loftin (Rita) and Loretta Ann Shaw (Jerry); her grandchildren: Joe Henderson Loftin (Amy), Joshua Henry Loftin, and Samuel Richard Shaw; and her great-grandchildren: Zachary Jacob Loftin, Noah Alexander Loftin, and Leona Frances Johnson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Lee Cole; a niece, Robin Cole Ringer; and her grandson, Jacob Richard Loftin. She was also preceded in death by her beloved 16-year-old Yorkie, Gracie, who was never far from her side.
Wilma loved flowers, so flowers are certainly welcome. The family will receive friends at Stutts Funeral Home in Franklin on Sunday, June 22nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held at Centralhatchee First Baptist Church on Monday, June 23rd, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Mark Williams officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Chuck Loftin, Jerry Shaw, Joe Loftin, Joshua Loftin, Samuel Shaw, Zachary Loftin, and Alexander Loftin.
Those who wish may write memorial tributes at www.stuttsfuneralhome.com.
Stutts Funeral Home of Franklin, GA in charge of arrangements.