Essie Burnesta Cole was born on November 1, 1937 in Shelby county, Tennessee to the late Emanuel (Mannie) Cole Jr. and Lula Beatrice Taylor-Cole.

He professed his hope in Christ Jesus at an early age at St. Paul Missionary Baptist church in Millington, Tennessee. During his time at St. Paul, he served in a number of positions such as choir president, deacon board member, and later as Associate Minister. He became a member and Assistant Pastor of Charity Christian Community Church (C4) in August of 2012 and later Co-Pastor where he served faithfully until he was called home to the with the Lord. He also was a member of the Christ Care Christian Worship Center Church in Kissimmee, FL. He passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022 in Kissimmee, FL.

He graduated from E. A. Harold High School. He was joined in Holy Matrimony to his wife Mary Elizabeth Brown on November 21, 1958. Essie and Mary were married for almost 62 years until her passing in July 2020. To this union five children were born, 2 daughters and 3 sons.

He was a carpenter by trade and retired after many years. He was a Masonic Lodge member for over 40 years. He was a member and past president of the Millington Male Chorus. Some of his favorite things to do included fishing which he did every chance he got until he was longer able, he also has a great love of hunting, he was a huge wrestling fan, and huge Dallas Cowboys Football fan.

He leaves to mourn his passing; daughters Jacquelyn Cole-Love, Gwendolyn (Vernell) Stornes all of Kissimmee, FL; sons Terry (Jacqueline) Cole, Timothy (Glynis) Cole, Kenneth (Helen) Cole, all of Memphis, TN, 4 brothers; Wayne Cole and Claude (Eva) Cole of Memphis, Tennessee, Lennon (Elaine) Cole of Columbus, Tennessee, Oliver (Bernice) Cole of Killeen, Texas; 3 sisters; wilma (Gregory) Harris of Memphis, Tennessee, Joyce Tolbert, and Gale (Allen)  Barton of Milligton, Tennessee, a sister-in-law Thelma Cole of Fayetteville, North Carolina; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory. Preceding him in death were his loving wife Mary Elizabeth Cole, a sister, Gracie Brown and a brother John D. Cole.

Services for Essie Burnesta Cole will be held at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home on December 7, 2022. Visitation will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM with services beginning at 11:00 AM with interment at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery following immediately after services.