Jerome Cole Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in Pascagoula, MS. Born in Manassas, VA, on January 14, 1949, to Lewis and Carrie (Russell) Cole. He was a long-time resident of Escatawpa, MS.

Jerome Cole Sr. will be remembered for his quick wit, love of cooking, and enjoyment of the outdoors and fishing.

Chief Petty Officer Jerome Cole Sr. retired from the United States Navy on July 31, 1993, after serving during the Vietnam War and earning numerous decorations including Vietnam Service Medal, Navy and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, National Defense Service Medal, and 3 Good Conduct Awards, among many others, proving his dedication to his service to our country. After his military service, he worked as a government contractor at Home Port and with Goodwill, providing education and supervision for individuals with disabilities. He later worked as a ship fitter at Ingalls Shipyard.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Carrie (Russell) Cole, his brother, Michael Cole, his uncle L. "Buck" Buchanan, and aunt Anna Buchanan.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary L. Cole; and his children, Angela Cole-Mackey (Arthur) of Washington D.C. and Jerome Cole II (Shawana) of Escatawpa. and bonus children Karen Denise Terry and Ronald Eugene Collins of Phoenix, AZ, his sister, Robin (Terry) Johnson, brother, Steven (Leslie) Cole, aunt, Izzetta Callahan, uncle, Steward Cole, cousin, Myra Brent, grandchildren, Shanice, Ronald Jr, Malachi, Hannah, Christian, and Chloe, two great-grandchildren, Talia and Jaylen, and sister-in-laws, Gwen (Roosevelt) Crockett, Angela (Jimmy) Hill, Loretta Larry, brother-in-laws, Oscar "Lavon" Larry, and Joseph (Tonya) Larry, a host of niece's, nephew's cousins and friends.

The family wishes to acknowledge with grateful hearts for the many acts of kindness shown by the VA Hospital, staff at Singing River Hospital, family and friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd. Biloxi, MS. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is honored to serve the Cole family. An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com