Julia ''Doris'' (Giezentanner) Cole

Julia Doris Giezentanner Cole, aged 91, passed away July 28, 2025.

Doris was born February 1, 1934, above the old post office in Marshall, NC to the late Lesile ‘’Katie’’ and Nanny Lou Giezentanner. The family relocated to Asheville, NC shortly after her birth.

Doris graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, NC and later attended Mars Hill College for 2 years. She then attended Appalachian State Teacher’s College where she earned her teaching degree.

Doris first spotted her husband, Larry, at First Baptist Church in Boone while attending college. She confidently told her friends, ‘’I am going to marry that boy someday.’’ She later married Larry on November 25, 1955, about a year after meeting.

They later had 3 children; Nancy Lou, Sherri and Chris; a cherished son, Ronnie (Sherri’s husband); 5 grandchildren, Dillon, Matthew, Julibeth, Alex and Brandon; 2 great grandchildren, Thora Mae and Farrin; and many nieces and nephews.

During her life she lost several beloved brothers including: Charles Giezentanner and wife Betty, Harry Giezentanner and wife Evelyn, James Giezentanner and wife Lois, and John Giezentanner and wife Doris.

Doris started her career as a teacher and later left the profession to become administrator of Giezentanner’s nursing home. The nursing home was the first to open, and be licensed in Western North Carolina, in Asheville, NC, and was established by Doris’s mother. She later was administrator for 25 years at White Oak Terrace Nursing Home in Tryon, NC. Doris was very involved within the NC Health Care Facilities Association. Serving many years on the governing board of this association. Doris was highly regarded in her field.

Doris’s faith was very important to her. During her 60 years at Beverly Hills Baptist Church she served many committees, sang in the choir, participated in Sunday school class, chaperoned the youth group and helped with church decorations. She was an active member of the Red Hatters, often gathering for luncheons she so enjoyed.

Doris’s life reflects deep commitments to her family, career, and faith community. Showing how these values remained consistent throughout her decades of service to others.

Doris was a living embodiment of unconditional love and devotion. Her unwavering faith in God guided her journey through life, complemented by her profound dedication to her cherished family. Those blessed to have known her will forever remember her remarkable ability to make each person feel truly valued and special through her genuine warmth and compassion. As a mother, she provided unwavering support and guidance, but it was perhaps in her role as a grandmother where her nurturing spirit shone most brilliantly. Her legacy of love, faith, and selfless dedication will continue to inspire all whose lives she so graciously touched. Though she has departed this world, the beautiful impact of her presence remains eternally in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 26, 2025, at 1 PM at Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 777 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 777 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.

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