Susan Hooks Cole, 84, of Quitman, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Tyler, Texas.

She was born on July 24, 1941, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Johnny and Gladys Hooks. Susan earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas where her lifelong love of music continued to grow. While at UNT, she proudly played the French horn in the marching band, concert bands, and orchestra.

Susan spent many years sharing her love of music as a music teacher in the Fort Worth, Texas area. She believed deeply in the value of music education and took pride in helping students develop both skill and confidence through it.

She married Bobby Cole in 1963 in Denton, which began a partnership that spanned more than six decades. After retirement from the educational system, Susan and Bob owned and operated Cole Aviation, Inc. at Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, Texas. Susan was the heart and brains of the business, managing the office work and bookkeeping with care and precision, while Bob handled the hands-on operations.

Together, they shared a love for travel and spent many years exploring the country in their RV motorcoach. In 2016, they moved to Quitman, Texas, where Susan continued to enjoy a quieter pace of life surrounded by family and friends.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Gladys Hooks, and one sister, Vivojean (Bibo) Kelley.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Bob Cole of Quitman; their daughter, Marnie Rene Ingman of Oregon; and several extended family members.