Kathleen "KK" Ditmore Cole

Celebrating the Life of Kathleen Ditmore - Cole

December 26, 1934 – June 27, 2026

A Legacy of Faith, Grace, and Love

Kathleen Ditmore-Cole, affectionately known as KK, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 91. Born December 26, 1934 in Yellow Creek, Robbinsville NC, KK’s entire life became a reflection of the greatest gift ever given: the love and grace of Jesus Christ. KK was a profound example of faith, patience, and unconditional love, and her presence will be dearly missed by every family member and friend who had the privilege of knowing her.

Later, KK moved to Fires Creek, where her mother died at age 45. At 9 years old, KK was left with the responsibility of raising her two younger brothers (Joe and Lowell), as KK’s father was working away from home to support the children. KK learned to cook biscuits on a wood stove and even if she burned the biscuits her dad always said, “These are the best biscuits I ever tasted”.

While living on Fires Creek, KK attended Hayesville High School and played on the girls’ basketball team in the Old Rock Gym. 

After raising her two children (Jan and Gary), KK attended University North Georgia at Dahlonega, GA, and graduated with her degree as a Registered Nurse (RN).

She practiced nursing at Chatuge Hospital and in Marathon, Florida for 20 years.

KK was a woman of unwavering devotion. As a long-time, active member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Hiawassee, her faith was the cornerstone of her daily life. For many years, KK was a faithful participant of the ladies' Bible study each Sunday morning, nurturing her deep understanding, thirst for Scripture, and fellowship until her health began to fail. She was a strong, vocal believer in Jesus and cherished the gift of eternal salvation that He freely gave to all believers. KK didn't just hold her beliefs quietly; she lived them and was always ready to offer a kind word or freely engaged in uplifting conversations about the Lord. What made her truly remarkable was her generous spirit — always giving freely of her time to selflessly listen to the opinions, heartaches, and joys of others with an open, compassionate heart.

KK’s love and prayers will continue to surround the wonderful family she leaves behind:

Devoted Children: daughter Jan and son Gary. Cherished Grandsons; Sterling and Austin. Beloved Great-Grandson; Holden.

Through them, her gentle spirit, enduring strength, and lessons of grace she taught so effortlessly will live on for generations to come.

KK’s youngest brother, Joe, still resides in Yellow Creek, NC.

KK was preceded in death by her husband Jack Cole, brothers Jake, Clay, Paul, and Lowell; sister Betty Ditmore-Wheeler; nephews, Alvin and Charles Allison; nieces Kathy Ditmore and Sharon and her brother David Ditmore.

A Final Message of Love:

"We love you, KK, and have sweet comfort knowing we will see you in heaven when our time comes to be with the Lord. May God’s face and blessings shine upon you forever."

Visitation will be held at the Banister-Cooper Funeral Home on

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, between 12:00 and 1:30pm.

Phone: 706-896-2218

Funeral Service: 1:30 – 2:15pm - Banister-Cooper Funeral Home

Burial: Osborn Cemetery 678 North Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Meal: Macedonia Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1675 US–76,

Hiawassee, Ga 30546.

Interment: Following service in the Osborne Cemetery

The family requests that those wishing to express their sympathy consider sending silk floral arrangements in place of fresh flowers.