Carmen Cole

Carmen Cole was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 21, 1959 to Robert and Princess Mormon. She was the youngest of three children. Her sister Pam and brother George were very protective of their baby sister. Carmen was a champion of education. She often read the dictionary and sought to learn something new each day. Carmen attended Dunne Elementary and Fenger High school in Chicago. She continuously achieved academically, so much so, that she was able to graduate from high school at the age of 16. While at Dunne Elementary school, she met Roscoe T. Bryant. To this relationship, two daughters were born, Roshanda and RoShelle. Unfortunately, Carmen and Roscoe were forever bonded due to the death of their oldest daughter, Roshanda. Once she graduated, she worked at the University of Chicago. This was not her destiny; however, she decided that her calling in life was to help others. Carmen began a career with the Illinois Department of Human Services in the early 1980's. She worked for the department for over 35 years making a tremendous impact in the lives of many Chicagoans in need of assistance and worked in multiple offices across the city. She graduated from Chicago State University at a later age. She wanted to show her daughter, RoShelle, the importance of education. Carmen was known to be very articulate and kind. She was known for her remarkable vocabulary, often leaving those around her reaching for a dictionary or asking her what a particular word meant. Carmen was proud of her extensive vocabulary, and it showed! Carmen sacrificed by commonly working more than one job to support RoShelle and put her through college. Carmen had side jobs at such places as the Red Derby Banquet Hall and Carson Pirie Scott in Evergreen Plaza. Carmen was extremely proud of her only child and made sure to always brag about her! Carmen had a tremendous work ethic. Carmen encouraged her daughter RoShelle to love education and always seek knowledge. Carmen was often heard bragging about the educational successes of RoShelle, whom she affectionately referred to as ‘Punkin’. In her downtime, Carmen loved listening to music, dancing, Broadway theater, bowling and especially going to the casino once she retired. She joined a bowling league at one point in time, owned multiple balls and often scored a perfect game! Carmen and RoShelle would frequent Broadway plays such as The Color Purple, which they went to New York to see. Casino games, however, were Carmen’s favorite and she would often be seen playing them on her phone or tablet. Carmen Cole leaves to cherish her memories, her favorite, and only daughter, RoShelle and three grandchildren, Cameron, Jasmen and JaShelle. Her siblings, Pamela and George (Teresa), nieces, Kelly, Ashley (James) and Alexandra, nephew, Kristopher and Great-Niece, Naomi will remember Carmen for her loving spirit and the tremendous impact that she left on their lives. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father and first-born Daughter, Roshanda.

Carmen Cole

July 21, 1959 - July 20, 2026